Afghanistan vs Bangladesh second T 20 International Played at Dehradun India
Bangladesh 134/9 ( Tamim 44, Mushfique 22 , Abu Hider 21* , Rashid 4/12, Nabi 2/21 ) lost to Afghanistan 135/4 ( Samiullah Shenwari 49, Mohammad Nabi 31*, Mosaddeq 2/21) by 6 Wickets.
There cannot be any excuses. A far better team in quality, class, planning and execution, Afghanistan has already taken impregnable 2-0 lead in three matches T20 series against Bangladesh. Rashid, Nabi and Mujib, three class acts combined well in restricting Bangladesh to a moderate 134/9. They took 6/46 in their allotted overs. The chief destroyer was Rashid with 4/ 12, Nabi took 2/19, Mujib bowled 15 dot balls off his 24.
Then when required Nabi blasted 31 in 14 deliveries contributing to series winning 6 wickets victory for Afghanistan. This is a historic series win for a worn, facilities hamstrung country. First win against an ICC full member team other than Zimbabwe. Afghanistan won the first match by 45 runs. In this current form we will not be surprised if Bangladesh gets white washed. In all three departments Afghans looks far better side. So them winning the series must not be considered a flash in the pan. Cricket admirers must give devils their dues. Well done Afghanistan.
Bangladesh made two changes Abu Hasan and Abu Jayed were replaced with Soumya Sarkar and Abu Hider. Winning the toss this time Shakib opted to bat. But first Mujib, then Nabi and finally Rashid Khan restricted Bangladesh. Mystery bowler Mujib and talented leggie Rashid Khan remained virtually decoded to Bangladesh batsmen. Playing uncharacteristically calm Tamim top scored with 43 off 48, Mushfique was looking good at 22 before his brain again freezed losing his wicket stumped when his stay at the wicket till the end was urgent. Finally a slavo of unbeaten 21 off 14 by Abu Hider gave some respectability to Bangladesh score of 134 /8.
We can give credit to Bangladesh bowlers and fielders for much better performance on the day extending the match to the 19 th over. Afghans were never in a hurry. Playing like a very matured side they were cruising. Yet they required 20 in the last 2 overs. With wickets at hand this is no longer an issue in T20 these days. Mohammad Nabi their experienced all round delivered knock out punch from 5 deliveries of Rubel in the 19 th over. Afghans won huge and handsome by 9 wickets. Rashid accounted for Shakib, Tamim, Mosaddeq and Soumya giving away only 12 in his four overs.
Looking back we could not make out why star all rounder Shakib batted as low as 6 while he batted at three in the first match? What was the motive of playing Soumya at 7? Why not Ariful given an opportunity in place of Sabbir?
The bottom line is Bangladesh lost the tricks by choosing wrong playing XI and failing to execute plans against one Rashid Khan. He alone destroyed Bangladesh. Nabi also got two vital wickets. Rashid and Nabi both played in BPL .They are two sought after players in all Franchise now.
Countries like Afghanistan (Rashid Khan), Pakistan ( Shadab Khan ) and even Nepal are discovering quality leg spinners . But Bangladesh could not in so many years. Wonder what expensive coaching stuff and tall talking cricket executives are doing? We do not think that this team would perform well against West Indies. Very sad commentary for Bangladesh cricket.
We can not put all the blames on the players. The weakness of BCB Cricket operation, selectors and coaching stuff are getting exposed. On business as usual Cricket in Bangladesh may soon nose dive we are afraid.
BDST: 0846 HRS, JUN 6, 2018
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