Coming into the tournament, Bangladesh aimed to position a turbulent week at the back of them after captain Tamim Iqbal first of all introduced his retirement rapidly, best to opposite his choice an afternoon later.
Afghanistan’s opening pair laid the basis for a mammoth general of 331/9 in Chittagong with an excellent 256-run partnership, a document stand for the visiting group. The Afghan bowlers then finished the task through bowling out Bangladesh for 189 within the forty fourth over.
Fazalhaq Farooqi claimed 3-22, whilst Mujeeb Ur Rahman took 3-40 to dismantle the Bangladeshi batting lineup.
The victory makes Afghanistan best the second one group within the closing seven years to win an ODI sequence in Bangladesh, following within the footsteps of global champions England.
Mushfiqur Rahim fought a lone combat for the hosts, top-scoring with 69 runs, however gained little fortify as Bangladesh discovered themselves suffering at 72/6. Mehidy Hasan joined Mushfiqur in an 87-run partnership for the 7th wicket, however their efforts proved inadequate. Mushfiqur sooner or later fell to Farooqi, leaving closing guy Ebadot Hossain not able to bat.
Bangladesh, having selected to bowl first after stand-in skipper Litton Das received the toss, struggled to make breakthroughs on a inexperienced floor. By the time Shakib Al Hasan brushed aside Gurbaz leg-before, Afghanistan had already neared their earlier easiest ranking towards Bangladesh of 306/4.
Gurbaz performed a sensational innings, smashing 145 runs off simply 125 deliveries, comprising 13 fours and 8 sixes. Following his dismissal, a couple of fast wickets fell as Ebadot got rid of Rahmat Shah (two), whilst 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 sequence drama, Tamim’s retirement announcement and next 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 3rd and ultimate tournament of the sequence might be performed on the identical venue on July 11, offering a chance for Bangladesh to salvage some delight and finish the sequence on a favorable observe.
(With inputs from AFP)