Rashid Khan, who celebrates his 20th birthday today, helped Afghanistan to a mammoth 136-run victory over Bangladesh in their inconsequential Group B Asia Cup fixture.
Afghanistan put on a dominant display with the ball to ensure an impressive victory over Bangladesh by a massive 136 runs to go top of Group B. Rashid Khan was at the heart of the action with a commanding half-century in the first innings, before putting on a masterclass display with the ball in the second, finishing with 2-13 in nine overs and earning himself the Man of the Match award.
The Afghan bowling attack bowled beautifully as a whole to restrict Bangladesh to just 119 runs, bowling them out in the 43rd over, after having posted 255/7 in the first innings. Khan, batting at number nine, was an instrumental part of the first innings as well, with his 57 not out off 32 balls (eight fours, one six) – along with number eight Gulbadin Naib’s 42 not out off 38 balls (five fours) – helping Afghanistan to the competitive total. Shakib Al Hasan (10-1-42-4) was a scourge on the Afghan batting order during the middle overs as they were reduced to 160/7 after his spell but the late onslaught from the lower-order pair was enough for a defendable score going into the innings break.
Bangladesh had no response following the break as wickets fell regularly throughout the second innings. Shakib top scored with 32 off 55 balls in an innings dominated by the ball. Naib also followed up his impressive first innings score with 2-30 in six overs, playing a massive part in the Afghan victory.
The Afghanistan team continue to impress in their Asia Cup campaign as the dark horses keep up their giant-slaying credentials. With a fearsome bowling attack at their helm, they will be confident in their ability to cause a few more upsets as the tournament continues.
PHOTO: Raton Gomes/BCB
