Tigers win first T20I series against Afghans

Photo: Firoz Ahmed

A collective approach saw Bangladesh clinch their maiden T20I bilateral series against Afghanistan following a six-wicket victory in the rain-curtailed second match at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

The energetic Sylhet crowd enjoyed some dominating display from the Bangladesh bowlers up front as Taskin Ahmed, who picked up his 50th T20I wicket during the game, removed both Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hazratullah Zazai upfront. 

Following a rain delay of over an hour, Shakib Al Hasan led from the front with his captaincy and also with the ball, picking up two wickets while conceding only 15 runs from three overs as Afghanistan were restricted to 116 for seven in 17 overs. 

In chase of 117, Liton Das provided the flying start together with Afif Hossain, his opening partner for this match, as the hosts put on 50 without losing a wicket in the Powerplay. 

The visitors, though, bounced back somewhat following the 67-run opening stand, with Liton dismissed for 36-ball 35 off the bowling of Mujeeb Ur Rahman. 

The mystery spinner then removed Afif for 24 off 20 balls in the same over, but Shakib, later adjudged the player of the series, made sure there was no late drama like the first T20I.

Man-in-form Towhid Hridoy played a cameo of 18-ball 19 and the Tigers were on course by the time he was dismissed, with Shakib eventually remaining unbeaten on 18. 

It was Bangladesh’s fifth win in eleven outings against Afghanistan and they were able to dominate the visitors in both the matches of the series. 

The Tigers will face the same opposition in the upcoming Asia Cup and in their opening game of the ODI World Cup later this year, and despite the defeat in the ODI series, the T20I series win will definitely help the team gain valuable momentum.