BAN vs AFG: Bangladesh leveled the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan with a 68-run victory in the second ODI in Sharjah. Composed knocks from Najmul Hossain Shanto and a late flurry from debutant Jaker Ali helped Bangladesh post a challenging 253 in their two allotted ODI matches in Sharjah. Afghanistan had their run chokes off by a disciplined effort from Bangladesh’s bowlers, faltering for 184 in 43.4 overs on a slow surface.
Bangladesh was anchored by Shanto until Jaker’s 37 off 27 balls in the last overs gave it some late impetus, taking the total to 252/7. Afghanistan’s spinners strangled the Bangla Bangla innings for most of it, and the wickets fell courtesy Nangeyalia Kharote’s 3/28. Two maximums of Fazalhaq Farooqi off himself to Jaker here contributed to the total though.
BAN vs AFG: Early setbacks cost Afghanistan
In their pursuit, Afghanistan began cautiously but were made to suffer early setbacks courtesy of tight lines from Bangladesh’s bowlers. Rahmat Shah top-scored with a patient 52 but his dismissal in a mix-up with Gulbadin Naib triggered a collapse. Soumya Sarkar and Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s sharp fielding helped create two early wickets, and Nasum Ahmed’s impressive 3/28 kept pressure on Afghanistan’s middle order.
At the height of Afghanistan’s run rate, they collapsed in a haphazard manner, losing six wickets for just 21 runs. Only Naib, who stroked briskly to score 26, and Mohammad Nabi could put up token resistance; those two added 44 for the sixth wicket, which would again prove too little, too late, as the rest of the tail disintegrated under Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack.
Bangladesh will now level the series at 1-1 in this win and will set up a thrilling decider in the third ODI. Shanto once again came up with a solid innings, while Jaker’s debut went up in flames and the bowlers put up a solid performance that showed Bangladesh could adapt on challenging surfaces. There is much for Afghanistan to ponder ahead of the final game.
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