Bangladesh lost the first series against Afghanistan as they face a 142-run defeat to Afghanistan in the second of the three-match one-day international series at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on Saturday.
Afghanistan set a gigantic target of 332 ahead of the Tigers to chase. In return, Bangladesh were all out for 189, which ensured Afghanistan won the three-match series with a match to spare.
Afghanistan looked dangerous as Afghan openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran made 256 runs’ opening stand but after Shakib Al Hasan brought the breakthrough in the 37th over downing Gurbaz, Bangladesh finally made a comeback into the match as Afghans could only manage only 75 runs while the hosts took nine wickets in the final 14 overs.
After Gurbaz-Zadran partnership was broken, a couple of wickets followed as Ebadot Hossain ousted Rahmat Shah in the next over before Mehidy Hasan Miraz bowled Hashmatullah Shahidi in the final ball of the 39th over.
In the final 10 overs, Bangladesh put the pressure back on Afghanistan as wickets kept coming at regular intervals and their innings ended on 331-9.
With a huge target chase, Bangladesh batters went aggressive from the first over and lost early wickets while trying to boost the run rate. Chasing down 332 would have been the highest chasing record for Bangladesh in Chattogram.
Mushfiqur Rahim top scored for Bangladesh as he scored 69 off 85 balls. Shakib and Miraz scored 25 each.
Bangladesh will take on Afghanistan for the third and final ODI of the series on Tuesday in the same venue.
