Afghanistan put up a brilliant performance to upset hosts Bangladesh by 32 runs in the Asia Cup match at Fatullah on Saturday.
Afghanistan rode on a brilliant 90 not out by Asghar Stanikzai and a punishing 69-delivery 81 by Samiullah Shinwari to post a challenging 254-6 before bowling out their rivals for 222 in 47.5 overs.
Afghanistan’s victory marked its first win over a Test playing country in four one-day matches. They previously lost two one-day internationals against Pakistan and one against Australia.
Photo: AFP
It was a great shock for the hosts as they played without their key all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, suspended over indiscipline, and injured spearhead Mashrafe Mortaza.
Bangladesh never settled in their run-chase as they lost their openers by the second over with only a single run on the board.
It was a 68-run stand between Mominul Haque (50) and skipper Mushfiqur Rahim (23) that lifted Bangladesh, before Afghan captain Mohammad Nabi claimed his counterpart’s wicket.
Nabi finished with 3-44, while pacemen Hamid Hassan and Shapoor Zadran took two wickets apiece.
Mominul hit six boundaries in a sedate 72-delivery innings, but once he was bowled by Shinwari (1-23), all hopes of a home team win evaporated.
Nasir Hossain and Ziaur Rahman chipped in with 41 apiece, but could only delay the inevitable.
The Afghan captain was ecstatic over the win.
“It’s our first win against a full member,” Nabi said. “It was a good partnership between Stanikzai and Shinwari that lifted us and despite missing some chances in the field we bowled well to achieve this landmark win.”
INDIA, PAKISTAN
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