Bangladesh T20 Tri-series – Afghanistan extend winning streak by beating hosts

Afghanistan continued their dominance in T20 cricket by taking down Bangladesh comfortably on Sunday (15th September). Afghanistan extended their winning streak to 12 matches going past their own previous record. This is now the longest winning sequence in T20I cricket. The fastest-rising cricketing nation defended 165 runs against Bangladesh at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur.

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The early collapse

After choosing to bat first, Afghanistan lost wicket on the opening ball of the match. Mohammad Saifuddin knocked back Rahmunullah Gurbaz’s off-stump to take the first wicket. Shakib Al Hasan then came into action and picked two crucial wickets. By the time, powerplay ended Afghans found themselves struggling at 40/4.

Nabi stands tall

Asghar Afghan and Mohammad Nabi batted responsibly to ensure no more damage. Afghan, who had played a sedate knock in the previous match, batted with the freedom this time. He and Nabi guided the side to a safe position. After Afghan’s fall for 40, Nabi took over. The all-rounder was extremely aggressive in the end overs. He smashed Soumya Sarkar for 20 runs in four balls of the 18th over. He finished on 84 not out from 54 balls as Afghanistan posted a healthy score of 164/6.

Mujeeb spins the web

Bangladesh experimented with their opening partnership as wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim came out to bat alongside Liton Das. Mujeeb sent back Das on the second ball of the chase. Rahim fell in the next over. He was castled while trying to play the ramp shot. Mujeeb then struck twice in his third over to leave Bangladesh reeling at 32/4.

Bowlers clinch the record win

Although Mahmudullah and Sabbir Rehman steadied the innings, they were unable to keep up with the ever-increasing required run-rate. Their 58-run stand culminated when Mahmudullah handed a boundary catch on Gulbadin Naib’s bowling. This dismissal seriously dented Bangladesh’s chances and they were never in the winning contention after that. Naib, Rashid Khan and Mujeeb tightened the grip with their bowling and secured a 25-run victory. Mustafizur’s 15 (7) helped reduce the losing margin.

Afghanistan with their winning streak are now at the top of the points table with two wins from two matches. Bangladesh have one win in their account while Zimbabwe are yet to earn any points.

Brief scores:

Afghanistan 164 for 6 (M Nabi 84*, A Afghan 40, M Saifuddin 4-33, Shakib Al Hasan 2-18) beat Bangladesh 139 (Mahmudullah 44, Mujeeb Ur Rehman 4-15, R Khan 2-23, G Naib 2-27, F Ahmad 2-33) by 25 runs.