Bangladesh lost to Afghanistan by 92 runs in the first round of the three-match ODI series today at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to a batting collapse following a promising start.
Afghanistan chose to bat first and rallied from a 71-5 deficit to reach 235 before being out. Bangladesh found them wanting after a strong start, in contrast to their recent Test series top-order collapse. After reaching 132-3, they seemed to win easily, but then they experienced a spectacular collapse in which they lost seven wickets for 11 runs.
The Tigers, as it was adorably called, eventually were bundled out for meager 143 in 34.3 overs.
An 18-year old offspinner Ghazanfar ran riot on Bangladesh, claiming his career-best 6-26, including three an over what indeed sparked the visiting slide.
Ghazanfar gave the side breakthrough in just fourth over of Bangladesh’s chase, dismissing opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim for 3.
Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and Soumya Sarkar kept the side in the hunt, sharing 53 runs for the second wicket stand.
It was only broken when Azmatullah Omarzai had Soumya caught by Fazalhaq Farooqi after he scored 33 off 45 with six fours.
But Shanto found support in Mehidy Hasan Miraz and looked taking the side over the line, batting with unwavering resolve.
As Shanto approached to his own half-century, Afghanistan got the most crucial breakthrough through veteran Mohammad Nabi as he got rid of the Bangladesh captain for 47 after he added 55-run with Mehidy.
And his dismissal led to a sensational collapse that Bangladesh hardly thought in their wild imagination.
Ghazanfar kick-started the collapse, claiming the wicket of Mehidy for 28 and then Rashid Khan rattled the stump of veteran Mahmudullah Riyad for 2.
Ghazanfar then took three wickets in an over, including Mushfiqur Rahim (1) to complete his maiden five-for.
He fittingly wrapped up Bangladesh innings, dismissing Shoriful Islam.Earlier, half-centuries from Mohammad Nabi and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi helped Afghanistan recovered from a shaky start.
Nabi hammered team-best 79 ball-84, smashing fours and three sixes while Shahidi scored patient 52 off 92, an innings included only two boundaries.
The duo shared 104 runs for the sixth wicket after Afghanistan were reduced to meager 71-5 in 20th over.
Fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed (4-53) and Mustafizur Rahman (4-58) shared eight wickets between them, taking four each.
Their disciplined bowling had Afghanistan wobbled at 35-4 after Shahidi won the toss and opted to bat first.
Taskin struck in the second over, having dismissed Rahmanullah Gurbaz for 5 before Mustafizur entered into the party with the wicket of Rahamat Shah (2).
Mustafizur then put Afghans at deep trouble with the double strike that accounted Sediqullah Atal (21) and Azmatullah Omarzai for duck.
Shahidi and Gulbadin Naib appeared to have recovered but Taskin got back with bang to dismiss the latter for 22, ending 46-run partnership.As Bangladesh sensed to expose the Afghans tail, resistance came from Nabi who counterattacked in style to leave Bangladesh bowlers in disarray.
With Shahidi playing patiently, Nabi took the bowlers in disdain but luck was with him due to butter-fingered Bangladeshi fielders.
The 39-year old Mahmudullah Riyad’s slow approach on the field helped Nabi survive at least twice.
Mustafizur however broke the partnership, getting rid of Shahidi just after he reached his 22nd fifty.
Nabi raised his 17th fifty off 52 balls and grew with confidence but Taskin had him caught by Tanzid Hasan Tamim, denting his hopes to get this third century.
Nangeyalia Khatore however scored 27 not out to give a finishing touch.The second ODI is on Saturday at the same venue.
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