Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan’s captain, praised Bangladesh’s remarkable comeback spearheaded by Afif Hossain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who snatched a four-wicket triumph from the jaws of loss.
Bangladesh were expected to win the match easily after Afghanistan were bowled out for 215 in 49.1 overs. Fazalhaq Farooqi startled Bangladesh by reducing them to 45-6 as they approached the mark.
Bangladesh’s chances of winning the game appeared to be over at that point. Afif Hossain and Mehidy Miraz, on the other hand, had a different concept. They held off an Afghan attack that included the finest three spinners in the world, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi. Afif and Miraz, on the other hand, kept them at bay with unyielding resolve, finally leading the team to a surprise triumph.
“We had a good start but they played very well without giving a chance, which was incredible,” a dejected Hashmatullah Shahidi sai, praising the effort of Miraz and Afif.
In the process, they each struck the finest pitches of their careers, frustrating Afghanistan. Afif blasted an unbeaten 93 off 115 balls with 11 fours and one six, while Miraz was not out on 81 following a 120-ball knock that included nine fours.
They put up a 174-run partnership, which was the best in Bangladeshi ODI history and second best in the world, behind England’s Joss Buttler and Adil Rashid’s 177 against New Zealand in 2015.
While appreciating Miraz and Afif’s efforts, the Afghan skipper also pointed out their batting faults. They were at least 30 runs short, according to him, and it was the game’s deciding factor.
“We were 30-runs short but the way Fazal started was great but credit to them for fighting back,” he said.
Fazalhaq Farooqi, who was playing in only his second ODI, helped Afghanistan defeat Bangladesh 18-4.
Farooqi dismissed Liton Das and skipper Tamim Iqbal in his only second over, and he successfully contested both decisions to overturn the umpire’s judgment.
He struck again in his third over, this time taking the wicket of Mushfiqur Rahim, who was reviewed in vain, and uprooting the stumps of Yasir Ali, who was dismissed for duck on his debut.
Mujeeb took the wicket of Shakib (10) who was the only player in Bangladesh’s top six to reach double figures.
With a half-tracker, Rashid Khan dismissed Mahmudullah, bringing Afghanistan closer to a sixth consecutive ODI triumph.
Hashmatullah Shahidi also praised Farooqi, saying that he showed great promise early in his career.
“He bowled brilliantly, but we weren’t able to provide him with enough support. He has a bright future ahead of him, based on how he began his profession “He made a remark.
After this disheartening loss, Shahidi stated that they are trying to bounce back in the series.
“This was just the start but there are two more games to go and we will look to come back,” he concluded.
