AFG vs BAN 2018, 2nd T20I: Ashgar Stanikzai thanks fans for Massive Support in Dehradun

Afghanistan continued their merry way and registered a series victory against Bangladesh after winning the 2^nd T20I by six wickets to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

It was a sensational bowling performance by Afghanistan which was yet again led by a magnificent Rashid Khan.

The leg-spinner was again in the thick of things bagging four wickets for just 12 runs. Rashid was at his imperious and bagged the Man of the Match Award for yet another time.

It was some impressive batting by Afghanistan which eventually helped them reach the target of 135 with utmost ease.

Samiullah Shenwari and Mohammad Nabi were the top scorers for Afghanistan, as they reached the target with seven deliveries to spare. Yet again, it was Shakib Al Hasan who won the toss and opted to bat.

Bangladesh lost opener, Liton Das, pretty early. Tamim Iqbal also found life difficult in the middle. The southpaw was unable to find the gaps and struggled his way during his knock of 43 off 48 deliveries. The wickets kept falling at regular intervals, and Bangladesh was never able to press on the accelerator.

The spin trio of Rashid, Nabi and Mujeeb conceded just 46 runs in the 12 overs bowled between them. Barring Rashid’s four-wicket haul, Nabi also chipped in with a couple of wickets. It was a pretty moderate target to chase for Afghanistan, and they began strongly.

Both the openers Usman Ghani and Mohammad Shehzad played some wonderful shots, as the hosts got off to a steady start.

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After a 38-run partnership, it was Abu Hider who provided Bangladesh with the breakthrough in the form of Shehzad’s wickets.

Two more wickets fell in quick succession. However, it was some good batting by Samiullah Shenwari and Mohammad Nabi which eventually got Afghanistan over the line.

Shenwari scored a fluent 49 off 41 deliveries before his dismissal. On the other end, Nabi batted well and remained unbeaten on 31 off 15 balls to seal the match for the Afghans.

Following their victory, this is what the winning skipper Asghar Stanikzai said at the post-match presentation,

“We know our strengths, especially in T20I in both batting and bowling. They showed their class, we knew the spinners would enjoy the pitch, and they helped us seize the momentum. Thank you very much, thanks to all the fans for coming here and making us feel like playing in Kabul.”

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