Batting first, Afghanistan never really got the desired momentum and were bundled out for a paltry 126 in 45.2 overs. Azmatullah Omarzai was the lone fighter for the visitors, scoring a valiant 56 off 71 balls with one four and three sixes.
The rest of the batting line-up collapsed against the disciplined bowling attack of Bangladesh, who shared the wickets among themselves. Shoriful Islam was the pick of the bowlers, taking four wickets for 21 runs in nine overs. Taskin Ahmed and Taijul Islam chipped in with two wickets each, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan claimed one apiece.
Bangladesh had no trouble chasing down the target, as they reached 129 for three in 23.3 overs. Litton Das led the way with a fluent 53 off 60 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes. He added 50 runs for the second wicket with Najmul Hossain Shanto, who made 11 off 15 balls. Shakib Al Hasan also played a handy knock of 39 off 39 balls, with five fours.
Shakib put on an unbeaten 61-run stand for the fourth wicket with Towhid Hridoy, who remained not out on 22 off 19 balls, with one four. Fazalhaq Farooqi was the most successful bowler for Afghanistan, taking two wickets for 26 runs in five overs.
“Very happy with the performance of the team. Today was tough, we lost this game but we’ll learn from this. Bangladesh played really well, they put under pressure from the beginning. I’ll not be part of the T20 squad but best wishes to the team. Special thanks to the fans, they support us wherever we go,” said Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi after the match.
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