Afghans trying to recover after early strikes
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||Desk Report||
Bangladesh are facing Afghanistan for the second time in the ongoing Asia Cup. Unlike the previous face-off, this clash will decide which team between the two will stay alive in the tournament, as both of them have been defeated in their respective first Super Four clashes.
Winning the toss, Bangladesh opted to bat first at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Two crucial innings of 70-odd runs from each of Imrul Kayes and Mahmudullah Riyad helped the Tigers put 249 runs despite losing five wickets before crossing the 100-run mark following a string of blunder from the batters.
In reply, Afghanistan, too, followed Bangladesh’s footsteps and lost two wickets in the batting powerplay. Both Ihsanullah Janat (8) and Rehmatullah Shah (1) fell cheaply, giving Bangladesh an early breakthrough.
Mohmmad Shahzad and Hasmatullah Shahihidi are now at the crease looking to return in the chase.
Scores
BAN - 249/7 (50 Overs)
AFG – 57/2 (16 Overs)
Afghanistan (Playing XI): Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Ihsanullah Janat, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Samiullah Shenwari, Asghar Afghan (c), Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Aftab Alam, Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Bangladesh (Playing XI): Liton Das, Imrul Kayes, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah, Mashrafe Mortaza (c), Mehidy Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Nazmul Islam
