Skipper Shanto powers Bangladesh to win in second ODI

Bangladesh roared back into the three-match ODI series with a facile 68-run win over Afghanistan in the second ODI at Sharjah.

The Bangladeshis made 252/7 in their first innings with skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scoring with 76. Soumya Sarkar made 35 while Jaker Ali scored 37.  

Left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote picked 3/28 to emerge as the top wicket-taker.

Rashid Khan and AM Ghazanfar picked two wickets each.

Afghanistan’s response was strong. Despite losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz early, the Afghans were bolstered by a 52-run partnership for the second wicket between Sediqullah Atal (39) and Rahmat Shah (52).

After Atal’s dismissal, Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi shared a 48-run partnership.

However, three quick wickets for just one run put the brakes on Afghanistan innings as they were soon reduced to 119/5.

Gulbadin Naib (26), Mohammad Nabi (17), and Rashid Khan (14) got starts but couldn’t convert their knocks to big score and Afghanistan were bowled out for 184 in 43.3 overs.

Shanto was declared the Player of the Match.

“It was tough. I think they scored 40 runs in the last five overs and that was the reason [for the loss],” said Afghanistan skipper Shahidi after the match.

“To be very honest, I am not happy. I need to bat a bit longer. The wicket was difficult, especially against spinners. But the way I started, I was happy [with the innings],” said skipper Shanto.

Afghanistan had won the first ODI by 92 runs.

The third and final ODI will be played on Monday.

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sharjah, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Ghazanfar, Nangeyalia Kharote