Bangladesh spinners led by Shakib Al Hasan guided their side to a thumping nine-wicket win against Afghanistan in their Qualifying Group A match of the ICC World T20 at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, here on Sunday.
The hosts made an impressive start to their campaign as they first skittled Afghanistan for a paltry 72 in 17.1 overs after electing to field and then returned to overhaul the target in 12 overs with the loss of one wicket.
Shakib was the pick of the bowlers giving away just eight runs bagging three wickets in his 3.1 overs, while Abdur Razzak (2/20) claimed two in his four overs to help their side avenge the Asia Cup defeat to the minnows.
Opener Anamul Haque (44 not out) and No 3 batsman Shakib (10 not out) took Bangladesh home after Afghan batsmen just could not negotiate the Bangladeshi spinners on a pitch that offered a bit of turn and bounce. Haque’s delightful knock off 33 balls included four boundaries and three sixes, while Tamim Iqbal made 21 in 27 deliveries before he was trapped in front by Samiullah Shenwari.
Earlier, Afghanistan had a disastrous start when opener Mohammad Shahzad (0) was dismissed on the very first ball of the innings by pacer Mashrafe Mortaza. Since that wicket Afghanistan struggled to find any sort of rhythm against hosts’ spinners.
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