AFG vs BAN 2018: We Failed to Execute our Plan Against Rashid Khan - Abu Hider

Bangladesh Cricket team seamer, Abu Hider cited their failure to tackle Rashid Khan, as the main reason behind their series loss against Afghanistan Cricket team.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan sealed their maiden series against Bangladesh in the three-match T20I series with one match still to play. They defeated the Tigers by six wickets to wrap things up for them.

Rashid, the top-ranked T20I bowler, picked up three for 13 in the first game, as Bangladesh crashed to a 45-run defeat. In the second match, Rashid snared a rich haul of four wickets, with Bangladesh once again sliding to a loss.

In the first match, Bangladesh tried to take the aggressive route against the formidable spinner. As a result, Mushfiqur Rahim tried to play a reverse sweep of the first delivery only to miss it and get out.

However, Bangladesh looked to largely play him out after losing Sabbir Rahman in the same over.

In the second game, however, it looked like Bangladesh came out with certain plans against the spinner.

Initially, they tried to play him out, but some quality bowling compelled the batters to go against him. Under pressure, Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan tried to up the ante and lost their wickets while facing Rashid.

The legspinner then trapped Mosaddek Hossain in front of the stumps in the same over.

Failed to execute the plans

Hider admitted they struggled to execute the plan properly against Rashid stating they didn’t fear him.

“We were unable to execute our plans against Rashid but it’s not like we were scared of him,” he said during the press conference. ”Our plan was to take singles off Rashid and look to score against other bowlers. Unfortunately, it was difficult for the new batsmen after we lost two [three] wickets in the same over from Rashid, and I think it was a vital moment in the game,” Hider noted.

Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan also echoed the same views during the presentation ceremony. He admitted they need to come up with better plans against Afghan spinners.

Bangladesh will play their last game of the series on June 7 at Dehradun and will be keen to avoid the embarrassment.

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