Sharjah: Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and Nasum Ahmed delivered standout performances to help Bangladesh secure a 68-run victory over Afghanistan in the second ODI at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, leveling the three-match series. Shanto scored a resilient 76, while Nasum, returning to the team after a year, contributed significantly with both bat and ball. His 25 runs and 3-28 bowling figures were crucial in dismissing Afghanistan for 184 in 43.3 overs, after Bangladesh posted 252-7.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bangladesh had previously suffered a significant 92-run defeat in the first ODI, collapsing dramatically by losing eight wickets for just 23 runs. The young Afghan offspinner, Mohammad Ghazanfar, was instrumental in that collapse, taking 6-26. However, in this match, Bangladesh handled him more effectively, showcasing their learning and adjustment. Shanto played a key role in mitigating Ghazanfar’s impact, even though the young spinner still managed to claim 2-35.
Support came from Soumya S
arkar, who added 35 runs, and debutant Jaker Ali Anik, stepping in for the injured Mushfiqur Rahim, who scored a quick 37 not out. Afghanistan’s Nangeyalia Kharote and Rashid Khan also made significant contributions with the ball, taking 3-28 and 2-32, respectively.
Bangladesh’s improved approach against Ghazanfar underpinned their victory. After choosing to bat first, Tanzid Hasan Tamim made a brisk 22 off 17 balls, dealing confidently with Afghan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi. Ghazanfar claimed Tanzid’s wicket, but Soumya and Shanto’s cautious play ensured Bangladesh’s stability. Rashid Khan’s dismissal of Soumya ended a solid 71-run partnership, and Shanto’s 53-run stand with Mehidy Hasan Miraz further solidified their position.
Shanto’s innings, consisting of six fours and a six, ended abruptly when he attacked Kharote, falling for 75. This dismissal triggered a minor collapse, with Bangladesh losing three wickets for nine runs, stirring fears of a repeat of the first match’s collapse. However, Jaker Ali and N
asum Ahmed’s 46-run partnership for the seventh wicket helped Bangladesh regain control, with Jaker’s aggressive hitting pushing the total beyond 250.
The Bangladesh bowling attack, led by Taskin Ahmed, who removed Rahmanullah Gurbaz early, was effective in applying pressure on the Afghans. Despite a steady partnership between Sediqullah Atal and Rahmat Shah, Nasum broke through by dismissing Atal for 39. Rahmat Shah top-scored with 52 but was run out during a crucial phase when Bangladesh took three wickets in six balls, shifting momentum in their favor.
Afghanistan, once poised at 118-2 in the 29th over, quickly found themselves struggling at 119-5 in the 30th. Though Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib attempted to recover, Shoriful Islam’s dismissal of Naib for 26 intensified the pressure. Ultimately, Afghanistan succumbed, with Nasum fittingly ending their innings by taking Ghazanfar’s wicket.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mustafizur Rahman each took two wickets, while Shoriful Islam and Taskin Ahmed claimed one
apiece, supporting Nasum’s standout performance. The series decider is scheduled for Monday, promising a thrilling conclusion.