AFG vs BAN 2nd ODI, AFG vs BAN 2022

After a partnership of 46 runs, Shakib had to perish when he was struck plumb in front by a delivery from magic man Rashid Khan. He started off pretty well as he does on most occasions. However, with Liton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim at the crease, both the batters started picking Rashid Khan with moderate ease. 

It was a poor piece of captaincy from Hashmatullah Shahidi as he never kept any attacking field positions for the leg-spinner. Once the duo was set, things started to get easier and easier for them. It was the batsmanship of the highest order. Both played some delectable shots and Liton Das, in particular, was a class above the rest. The way he timed the ball to perfection and kept the scoreboard ticking was exemplary, especially in the middle overs. 

A partnership of 202 runs set the platform for a breezy finish. While Liton Das completed a well-deserved century, Mushfiqur Rahim had to be content with a knock of 86 but that was pivotal in getting Banglades over the 300 mark. The Afghanistan bowlers were spot on in the final few overs or else Bangladesh was threatening to score atleast 320 at one stage. Eventually, they finished on 306 in their allotted 50 overs. Fareed Ahmad was the pick of the bowlers bagging a couple. 

Once the spinner came in, the duo of Najibullah Zadran and Rahmat Shah settled down and started ticking the scoreboard. They also found some important boundaries to bring his side back into the equation. However, the required rate kept climbing and the duo had no other option but to go after the bowlers. In an attempt to play the big shots, both Najib and Rahmat Shah was dismissed in a space of four overs which derailed the run-chase to a large extent. 

There was a brief little partnership between Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan which ignited the hopes of a dramatic turnaround. However, after the loss of Nabi’s wicket, the onus fell on the shoulders of Rashid Khan to stage something epic. He did strike some incredible shots but Mustafizur Rahman was a bit too much for him as he castled him with a perfect yorker on the channel. The last two wickets was a formality as Bangladesh eventually completed a 88 runs thumping win over the Afghans.