Afghanistan pipped to cricket gold by Bangladesh

Bangladesh dashed Afghanistan's hopes of a fairytale finish in the men's cricket final at the Asian Games on Friday to win their first gold at the multi-sport event.

After an edgy start, the Afghans compiled a respectable 118, helped by an enterprising 38 by Asghar Stanikzai, who stroked three boundaries in the final over.

With the match evenly poised late in the Bangladesh chase, Shabbir Rahman Roman smashed two sixes in the second last over to propel his team to victory with just three balls to spare, sparking wild celebrations as players and officials rushed onto the ground and embraced.

In the bronze medal match, Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by six wickets to restore some pride after they were beaten in the semi-final by Afghanistan on Thursday.