Afghanistan spinners weave magic against Bangladesh
LOPSIDED Rashid, Mujeeb steer team home after Shenwari cameo in first T20
DEHRADUN: Afghanistan spinners lived up to the hype created ahead of the three-match Twenty20 series against Bangladesh as they steered their team to a 45-run victory in the first match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium here.
The three-pronged spin attack bagged six wickets to restrict Bangladesh to 122 after the batsmen had put up 167 in 20 overs. Leg-spinner Rashid Khan made his presence felt, collecting 3 for 13 in three overs.
Tamim Iqbal was sent packing by Mujeeb Ur Rehman on the very first ball of the innings. Although Bangladesh’s other opener Liton Das went for his shots, hammering 30 off 20 balls, Mohammed Nabi scalped him to keep up the pressure.
Rashid struck twice in his first over, removing Mushfiqur Rahim for 20 and Sabbir Rahman for a duck, putting Bangladesh on the backfoot.
Lanky pacer Shapoor Zadran also played his part and claimed three wickets in the end. Only Mahmudullah could carry the fight, scoring 29 runs off 25 balls.
Earlier, the packed stadium, hosting its first international match, was lit up as Afghanistan, who have made India their ‘home’, blazed away, entertaining fans with slam-bang cricket.
Batting at number 6, Samiullah Shenwari swatted an 18-ball 36 to propel Afghanistan with the captain Asghar Stanikzai chipping in with 25. Samiullah’s knock included three hits to the fence and three sixes. Shafiqullah made an unbeaten 24 runs off eight balls.
Bangladesh asked the hosts to bat first after winning the toss in the hope of restricting them to a low total on a slow pitch.
However, their plan went awry as Afghanistan openers, Mohammed Shahzad and Usman Ghani, stitched a brilliant 62-run partnership to provide the launchpad.
Usman made 26 and was the first to walk back to the dug-out with Rubel Hossain getting rid of him. Mohammed Shahzad, who top-scored with 40, was removed by captain Shakib Al Hasan. He was cheered on by the crowd, which comprised Afghans who danced in the stands. Bangladesh bowlers struggled to make an impact, barring Mahmudullah, who claimed two wickets in his one over. He removed Mohammed Nabi for nought and Najibullah Zadran for 2.
Brief scores: Afghanistan 167/8 (M Shahzad 40, S Shenwari 36) vs Bangladesh 122 (L Das 30, R Khan 3/13, S Zadran 3/40).