Bangladesh defeated Afghanistan against all odds and came out victorious. Bangladesh won the match by 4 wickets. By winning Bangladesh have taken invaluable 10 World Super League Points. Afghanistan would rue the fact that they had the match in their bag, but a brilliant performance from the lower middle order proved to be the difference
Bangladesh started their run chase of 216 runs. Bangladesh lost half of their side for 39 runs. The left arm pacer was the wrecker in chief as he took 4 wickets in the phase of power-play. The veterans Shakib & Rahim got back in the pavilion. Afghanistan sensed that they have a solid chance to stamp their authority. They were defending a target of 216 runs. Picking up 5 wickets did the half job. Bangladesh were reduced to 45 runs for the loss of 6 wickets.
The lower order batter Afif Hossain along with the off-spin bowling bowler Mehidy Hasan were involved in a match-winning partnership of 174 runs. Both the batters showed immense mental application as one more wicket would mean that the run chase is done and dusted. Bangladesh would be proud that their No. 7 & No.8 batter won them a match. The left handed batter Afif Hossain scored 93 runs in 115 balls whereas the spinner Mehidy Hasan struck a knock of 81 runs in 120 balls
After choosing to bat first, Afghanistan had a mediocre power-play as they managed to score 41 runs for the loss of 1 wicket. Bangladesh’s bowlers were immaculate with the line and length as they didn’t allow any batter to settle down. The likes of Rahmat Shah & skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi got starts but failed to capitalize on it. Afghanistan was reduced to 102 runs for the loss of 4 wickets. Surprisingly the pacers got the chunk of the wickets.
Then came the flamboyant Najibullah Zadran. He had a wonderful outing with the dangerous Mohammed Nabi. The duo was involved in a 63 runs partnership. The dismissal of Nabi just opened the gates of wickets for Bangladesh. Najibullah at one end was playing attacking shots. He played a terrific knock of 67 runs in 84 balls. He along with the rest of the batters posted below par total of 215. Mustafizur Rahman was the pick of the bowlers as he took 3 wickets for 35 runs in his 9.1 overs. Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam took 2 wickets each and made sure that Bangladesh is chasing a decent total.
Bangladesh would be in a shock of happiness as this victory is one of their finest. On the other hand Afghanistan would be stunned. Afghanistan’s skipper Shahidi is responsible for team’s downfall. His captaincy wasn’t quite up to the mark.
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