BAN vs AFG, 2nd ODI, Highlights: Mushfiqur Rahim’s Valiant Effort in Vain as Bangladesh Succumb to Afghanistan’s 142-run Victory.
BAN vs AFG, 2nd ODI, Highlights: Mushfiqur Rahim’s Brave Effort in Vain as Bangladesh Suffers a 142-Run Defeat to Afghanistan. Afghanistan Takes Unassailable 2-0 Lead in the Series.
Despite Mushfiqur Rahim’s resilient innings of 69, Bangladesh fell short as they were defeated by Afghanistan with a margin of 142 runs. The match, held in Chittagong on Saturday, witnessed Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s career-best knock of 145 and Ibrahim Zadran’s impressive century, propelling Afghanistan to a formidable total of 331-9. Bangladesh, still reeling from the recent turmoil surrounding Tamim Iqbal’s retirement saga, seemed demoralized. Afghanistan’s opening partnership of 256 runs laid the foundation for their commanding total, marking the highest opening stand for their country in any format. Bangladesh, who had chosen to field first after stand-in captain Liton Das won the toss, faced an uphill battle. This loss comes after their 17-run defeat in the first match of the series on Wednesday. Afghanistan now holds an unassailable 2-0 lead. (Scorecard)
Recapping the Thrilling Moments: Highlights of the 2nd ODI between Bangladesh and Afghanistan in Chattogram 2nd ODI, Afghanistan’s Tour of Bangladesh, 3-Match ODI Series, July 8, 2023
Bangladesh: 189 all out (43.2 overs) Afghanistan: 331 for 9 (50.0 overs)
In the match, Bangladesh scored a total of 189 runs before being bowled out in 43.2 overs. Afghanistan, on the other hand, posted an impressive total of 331 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their allotted 50 overs.
Bangladesh struggled to build substantial partnerships, with their batsmen unable to make significant contributions. The Afghan bowlers maintained control throughout the innings, taking wickets at regular intervals. The top scorers for Bangladesh were notable performances from a few individuals, but they couldn’t muster a challenging total.
In response, Afghanistan displayed a dominant batting performance. Their opener, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, delivered a stellar innings, scoring his career-best 145 runs. He was well supported by Ibrahim Zadran, who also contributed a century, adding 100 runs to the team’s total. The opening pair’s exceptional partnership of 256 runs laid the foundation for Afghanistan’s imposing score.
Despite the efforts of the Bangladesh bowlers, they struggled to contain the Afghan batsmen, who displayed aggressive stroke play and excellent shot selection. Afghanistan’s batsmen kept the scoreboard ticking and ensured a formidable total.
With a target of 331 runs, Bangladesh faced an uphill battle. However, they couldn’t build partnerships or sustain momentum throughout their innings. The Afghan bowlers maintained tight control, taking wickets at regular intervals. Bangladesh eventually succumbed to the pressure and were bowled out for 189 runs, falling short by 142 runs.
This victory for Afghanistan sealed the series, as they now hold an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 3-match ODI series. The comprehensive performance by Afghanistan showcased their dominance and put them in a commanding position in the tour.
The match provided spectators with thrilling moments, exceptional individual performances, and showcased the growing prowess of Afghanistan in international cricket.
