Bangladesh defeat Afghanistan in 2nd ODI, level series 1-1
Bangladesh have thrashed Afghanistan by 68 runs in the second ODI at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah. The win was primarily due to a brilliant show by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who scored a vital 76 off 119 balls. His calm innings came in handy on the sluggish Sharjah track, posting a tough target for Afghanistan. Despite a good start, Afghanistan's batting collapsed with only Rahmat Shah scoring a half-century (52 off 76 balls).
Bangladesh's bowlers dominate as Afghanistan's chase falters
Bangladesh's bowlers were on fire, with Taskin Ahmed and Nasum Ahmed striking early. Soumya Sarkar took a vital catch to send Rahmanullah Gurbaz back off Taskin's bowling, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz pulled off an incredible leap at square leg to send Sediqullah Atal back off Nasum's first ball. Atal's 39 ended a promising second-wicket partnership with Rahmat Shah and began Afghanistan's battle against Bangladesh's tight bowling.
Afghanistan's batting lineup crumbles under pressure
Afghanistan's chase of 253 started slowly and never picked up. Despite a steady start, their batting lineup crumbled under pressure from Bangladesh's bowlers. The team lost three wickets in just six deliveries, leaving them reeling at 184/10 in 43.4 overs. This dismal performance underscored the importance of Shanto's patient half-century and Jaker Ali's late surge for Bangladesh earlier in the day.
Shanto and Soumya's partnership sets the pace for Bangladesh
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh lost Tanzid Hasan early but Shanto and Soumya Sarkar steadied the ship. They added 82 runs in 14 overs, setting a solid foundation for their team. Despite a slowdown after the powerplay, they added another 82 runs over the next 23 overs without losing any more wickets. This key partnership set the pace for Bangladesh's innings and proved instrumental in their victory.
Shanto's half-century and Jaker's late surge boost Bangladesh
Shanto took 75 balls to reach his half-century, which came in the 28th over. He was given out lbw on 55 off Ghazanfar but successfully reviewed and overturned the decision. However, his and Towhid Hridoy and Mahmudullah's quick dismissals put Bangladesh on the back foot. Despite this, Jaker Ali and Nasum Ahmed stepped up in the final overs to ensure Bangladesh posted a competitive total of 252/7.
