Bangladesh beat Afghanistan by 68 runs to level series 1-1

Bangladesh beat Afghanistan by 68 runs in the second ODI to level the three-match series 1-1 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE on Saturday.

Opting to bat first, skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto’s composed 76 and Jaker’s stormy 37 helped Bangladesh to post a competitive 252-7.

With Bangladesh needing a win to keep the series alive after a 92-run defeat in the first match, this game became a must-win.

For Banladesh, Soumya Sarkar contributed 35, while Nasum Ahmed, returning to the team after the 2023 ODI World Cup, added 25. Debutant Jaker Ali Anik, who stepped in for the injured Mushfiqur Rahim, chipped in with an unbeaten 37, helping stabilize the innings after a brief collapse.

Afghan left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote was impressive with 3-28, while Rashid Khan and offspinner Mohammad Ghazanfar each claimed two wickets, with Ghazanfar taking 2-35 after his standout 6-26 in the first game. Bangladesh’s ability to handle Ghazanfar effectively was key to their performance.

Earlier, Bangladesh got off to a quick start, with Tanzid Hasan Tamim’s confident 22 off 17 balls against pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi. Ghazanfar took the first wicket, dismissing Tanzid, but Soumya and Shanto navigated the spinner’s mystery deliveries to maintain momentum.

Rashid Khan broke the 71-run stand by trapping Soumya leg-before. Shanto then added 53 more runs with Mehidy Hasan Miraz before Rashid struck again, removing Miraz for 22. Shanto brought up his ninth ODI half-century by pushing a delivery from Mohammad Nabi to mid-on.

Batting cautiously, Shanto’s innings was a steadying factor for Bangladesh until he unexpectedly attacked Nangeyalia Kharote, losing his wicket after hitting six boundaries and a six off 119 balls. Shortly after, Mahmudullah Riyad also fell to a loose shot, sparking concerns of another collapse.

However, Jaker and Nasum’s 46-run partnership for the seventh wicket put Bangladesh back in control. Kharote dismissed Nasum, but Jaker’s powerful strokes propelled Bangladesh past the 250-run mark, setting a challenging target for Afghanistan.