Afghanistan Beat Bangladesh by six wickets, clinch series

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Dehradun:Like other batsmen in IPL, Rashid Khan has been an enigma for the touring Bangladesh team. Backed by a match-winning spell in the first T20 at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Dehradun, 19-year-old leg-spinner continued to be on a rampage and steered Afghanistan to a 2-0 series victory by claiming figures of 4-0-12-4 in the second game.

Riding on confidence and spirit, the in-form Afghanistan team rattled Bangladesh by six wickets to stamp their authority in the three-match series. The 2-0 series triumph would give the new entrants in longer format, a high and a boost ahead of their historic first Test match against India.

Rashid’s clinical spell in the 16th over turned the fortunes in Afghanistan’s favour when he bagged three wickets removing Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal and Mosaddek Hossain and put pressure on Bangladesh.

While Rashid’s bowling heroics helped Afghanistan restrict Bangladesh 134/8 in 20 overs, Samiullah Shenwari‘s 41-ball knock of 49 runs ensured the hosts achieved the target. Batting at number 5, Mohammed Nabi finished off the match by hitting a six.

He remained unbeaten and scored 15-ball knock of 31 runs which included three fours and two sixes. Afghanistan openers, Mohammed Shahzad (24) and Usman Ghani (21) set up a good foundation for the chase. The hosts achieved the target, leaving seven balls to spare. A gutted Bangladesh outfit looked disappointed while the fans enjoyed Afghanistan victory.

Led by Abu Hider’s late surge in the final two overs led Bangladesh to 134/8 in 20 overs. Unlike the last game, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan chose to bat after winning the toss. Seasoned Tamim Iqbal showed his experience and resilience to score a useful 48-ball knock of 43 runs.

The Afghanistan bowlers kept a tight line and length and did not allow the Bangladesh batsmen to cut loose.

Mushfiqur Rahim’s 18-ball knock of 22 runs propelled Bangladesh but it was not enough. Abu Hider’s 14-ball cameo of 21 runs took Bangladesh to 134. Afghanistan spin trio, Mohammed Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan gelled well. Earlier, while Afghanistan retained the team that thrashed Bangladesh in the series opener on Sunday, Bangladesh made two changes. They brought in all-rounder Soumya Sarkar and left-arm quick Abu Hider in place of Abu Jayed and Abul Hasan.

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