CHITTAGONG: Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das recorded a match-defining 202-runs partnership as Bangladesh defeated Afghanistan by 88 runs in the second ODI of the three-match series; taking an unassailable 2-0 lead, here on Friday.
Bangladesh sealed a comprehensive victory in the second ODI by defeating Afghanistan by a massive margin of 88 runs. The home side amassed a massive total of 306-4 in the first innings, thanks to the record-breaking third-wicket partnership between Das and Rahim.
Afghanistan’s response was insufficient to keep the series alive, as the touring side could only score 218 runs before being dismissed in the 46th over.
Batting first, the home side was off to an average start as their skipper Tamim Iqbal departed in the seventh over after scoring a mere 12.
Briefly, after Tamim’s dismissal, Shakib Al Hassan also perished after scoring 20 off 36 balls. With his departure, the home side was slipped to 83-2 in the 16th over.
Rahim and Das then stood up for their team and batted magnificently. The pair recorded a terrific 202-runs partnership for the third wicket. Rahim scored a brilliant 86 off 93 deliveries with the help of nine boundaries, while Das went on to score a sensational hundred.
In the course of his stunning knock of 136, Das faced 126 balls and smashed 18 boundaries including two sixes.
For Afghanistan, Fareed Ahmed bagged two wickets, while Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqi struck out a batter each.
In the run chase, Rahmat Shah and Najibullah Zadran scored half-centuries, but their gritty knocks too could not steer the side over the line. Rahmat scored 52, while Zadran top-scored for the side with his 54 down the order.
Despite their brilliant innings, Afghanistan was bowled out in the 46th over for a paltry 218 as the rest of the batters remained unable to significantly contribute to the team.
For Bangladesh, Taskin Ahmed and Shakib claimed two wickets each, while Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mahmuduallah, and Afif Hossain struck out a batter apiece.
With this victory, Bangladesh have completed their sixth consecutive ODI series win at home. The ten points set Bangladesh back to the top of the ICC ODI Super League points table.
