Bangladesh defeated Afghanistan in the first match of the qualifying round in the fifth edition of World Twenty20 by nine wickets at the Shere Bangla Stadium, Mirpur, on Sunday.
Chasing a paltry target of 73, Bangladesh passed the target in just twelve overs losing just one wicket in the process. With this win the hosts took the revenge against Afghanistan of their Asia Cup defeat earlier this month when they lost to newcomers by 32-runs in a group stage One Day International.
For Bangladesh Anamul Haque, with 44 not out, was the top scorer and hit the winning shot over long on for six as well as the hosts won the match with 48 balls to spare.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh won the toss and invited Afghanistan to bat. The tigers proved the decision of Mushfiqur Rahim as the bowlers ran through Afghanistan’s batting dismissing them for just 72 in little over 17 overs.
In fact to be precise seventeen deliveries remained when man of the match Shakib Al Hasan took the last wicket of Afghanistan’s innings taking his tally for the match to three wickets. Shakib returned with figures of 3/8 in 3.1 overs.
Bangladesh started off brightly as Mohammad Shahzad was dismissed with the very first ball of the tournament caught by Mahmudullah off Mortaza’s bowling.
Afghanistan, on the other hand, seemed to be intimidated by the occasion, as they tried to hit their way but unlike in Asia Cup they were not successful here and were completely outplayed in the opening game of the tournament.
For the new boys Afghanistan only three batsmen managed to score in double figures of these Gulbadin Naib with 21 runs was the highest scorer.
Brief Scores: Bangladesh 78/1 (Anamul 44*, Shenwari 1-14) defeated Afghanistan 72/10 (Naib 21, Shakib 3-8) by nine wickets
