Coming into the match, Bangladesh aimed to place a turbulent week behind them after captain Tamim Iqbal initially introduced his retirement abruptly, solely to reverse his resolution a day later.
Afghanistan’s opening pair laid the inspiration for a mammoth complete of 331/9 in Chittagong with a formidable 256-run partnership, a document stand for the visiting group. The Afghan bowlers then accomplished the job by bowling out Bangladesh for 189 within the 44th over.
Fazalhaq Farooqi claimed 3-22, whereas Mujeeb Ur Rahman took 3-40 to dismantle the Bangladeshi batting lineup.
The victory makes Afghanistan solely the second group within the final seven years to win an ODI collection in Bangladesh, following within the footsteps of world champions England.
Mushfiqur Rahim fought a lone battle for the hosts, top-scoring with 69 runs, however acquired little assist as Bangladesh discovered themselves struggling at 72/6. Mehidy Hasan joined Mushfiqur in an 87-run partnership for the seventh wicket, however their efforts proved inadequate. Mushfiqur finally fell to Farooqi, leaving final man Ebadot Hossain unable to bat.
Bangladesh, having chosen to bowl first after stand-in skipper Litton Das gained the toss, struggled to make breakthroughs on a inexperienced floor. By the point Shakib Al Hasan dismissed Gurbaz leg-before, Afghanistan had already neared their earlier highest rating in opposition to Bangladesh of 306/4.
Gurbaz performed a sensational innings, smashing 145 runs off simply 125 deliveries, comprising 13 fours and eight sixes. Following his dismissal, a couple of fast wickets fell as Ebadot eliminated Rahmat Shah (two), whereas Mehidy accounted for Hashmatullah Shahidi (two) and Najibullah Zadran (10). Shakib, Mehidy, Mustafizur, and Hasan Mahmud all claimed two wickets every for Bangladesh.
Amidst the collection drama, Tamim’s retirement announcement and subsequent reversal garnered consideration. After assembly with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Tamim determined to withdraw his retirement, choosing a six-week sabbatical earlier than returning for the Asia Cup.
The third and last match of the collection will likely be performed on the identical venue on July 11, offering a possibility for Bangladesh to salvage some satisfaction and finish the collection on a constructive observe.
(With inputs from AFP)
