Twitter Lauds Afghanistan As They Beat Bangladesh In First T20I To Take Lead

Published - 04 Jun 2018, 10:32 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:00 AM

Before the series had started, Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan had surprisingly claimed that Afghanistan were the favourites. Many thought that his assertion was based on the difference between the two team’s rankings. Afghanistan are number 8 in ICC T20 rankings while Bangladesh are placed tenth. But whatever the reasons were behind Shakib’s statement, Afghanistan totally justified them by thrashing the Tigers in the first T20I on Sunday (June 3).

Afghanistan’s spin troika of Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan never allowed Bangladesh to settle down as the hosts won the game by 45 runs. The momentum shifted in Afghanistan’s favour towards the end of their innings when they slammed 52 off the last three overs. Samiullah Shenwari (36 off 18) and Shafiqullah Shafiq (24 off 8) finished off the proceedings with the bat strongly to fire Afghanistan to a competitive total. The bowlers then came out all guns blazing to bowl out Bangladesh for just 122.

Shakib Al Hasan’s decision to bowl first was not backed by his bowlers early on. They failed to get the early breakthrough but made up for it with a disciplined show. Mohammad Shahzad and Usman Ghani added 62 runs for the first wicket. Skipper Asghar Stanikzai also played a handy knock of 25 but Bangladesh managed to keep things tight from their end before Shenwari and Shafiq undid all their good work.

In reply, Bangladesh were off to a disastrous start. Mujeeb Ur Rahman accounted for Tamim Iqbal on the very first ball of the innings. At the halfway stage of the innings, they were 80 for 3. The game was looking set to end in a thrilling manner before Rashid Khan came into the attack. On his first two balls, the leggie accounted for Mushfiqur Rahim and Sabbir Rahman to all but seal the visitors’ fate. Bangladesh never recovered from those setbacks and were eventually out for 122.

Meanwhile, Twitter was quick to react to the game.

Here is how Twitter reacted to the game:

Tagged:

Rashid Khan
logo
Stay Updated with the Latest Cricket News from Cricket Addictor.

You will receive the latest updates on cricket news throughout the day. You can manage them whenever you need in browser settings.