Asia Cup 2018, Match 6: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan – Five Talking Points

Afghanistan beat Bangladesh by 136 runs in their second group game in Asia Cup 2018 in Abu Dhabi.

The Afghanistan team played brilliant cricket at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi to top the group B ahead of their Super Four game against Pakistan at this venue on Friday. Meanwhile, a lot had happened to fall into the talking points of the day.

However, earlier in the day, Afghanistan skipper, Asghar Afghan won the toss and opted to bat first. The debutant for Bangladesh, Abu Hider provided an excellent start picking up two quick wickets.

Moreover, later in the innings, a fifty from Hashmatullah Shahidi and another from Rashid Khan, who finished with an unbeaten 57 off just 32 balls and Gulbadin Naib’s 42* helped Afghanistan post 255/7 in their 50 overs. Bangladesh all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan bowled brilliantly and bagged with four wickets delivering ten overs in the match.

Furthermore, while chasing down the target Bangladesh couldn’t start their innings on a good note.

The opening pair of Liton Das and Nazmul Hossain Shanto only managed to add 15 runs. However, Bangladesh lost their half of the batting line up within the 24th over of the match. Shakib along with Mahmudullah was looking good with the bat. Meanwhile, the birthday boy, Rashid Khan picked up the wicket of Shakib who was stepping to go forward with his partner.

Meanwhile, after the departure of Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh batsman couldn’t hold up their nerves and kept losing wickets at a regular interval. However, Bangladesh only managed to score 119 runs losing all their wickets within 43rd over.

Here we take a look at five talking points from Bangladesh and Afghanistan:

Rashid gives Afghanistan the perfect birthday gift

Rashid Khan celebrated his 20th birthday with a brilliant half-century under pressure. However, his partner Gulbadin Naib, who was unbeaten on 42, added 95 runs for a record eighth-wicket stand for Afghanistan in ODIs.

However, Rashid struck eight fours and a beautifully-timed six over midwicket in his unbeaten 32-ball 57.

Shakib Al Hasan picked up four wickets

Bangladesh all-rounder, Shakia Al Hasan bagged four wickets for his team. He dismissed the danger man, Mohammad Shahzad who was playing technically to build a huge score.

Later, he rattled the middle-order batting line up quickly and managed to become the highest wicket-taker for the innings.

Rashid Kahn and Gulbadin Nabi partnered 95 runs

Both Nabi and Rashid added 97 runs in the final ten overs with lots of boundaries. After Afghanistan lost their seventh wicket, the team was looking under pressure. They just had 160 runs on their scoreboard by then.

However, the duo together lasts till the end and posted 255 on the board. Rashid, who turned 20 on Thursday, hit four boundaries in the final over bowled by Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza.

Hashmatullah Shahidi scored a brilliant half-century

Afghanistan middle-order batsman Hashmatullah Shahidi played a brilliant knock of 58 runs. At one point in time, the Afghans lost their three wickets scoring 79 runs on board within the twentieth over.

However, Shahidi played some good cricketing shots and made his half-century at the crucial juncture in the game. He was playing slowly to retain himself until the end. Hashmatullah hit only three boundaries to score 58 runs.

Rashid Kahn bowled an excellent spell

Afghanistan all-rounder, Rashid Khan, bowled a superb spell of nine overs and picked up two wickets, including that of Shakib, and Mahmudullah.

He just gave 13 runs at an economy rate of 1.44. Also, he effected a run-out and helped Afghanistan beat Bangladesh by 136 runs.