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Najmul Hossain Shanto Scores 76 in His Team's Victory ©AFP

 

Shanto, Jaker, and Nasum Star as Bangladesh Level Series

Najmul Hossain Shanto put behind the painful memory of Bangladesh's collapse three nights ago with a composed half-century, leading his side to a 68-run victory over Afghanistan in the second ODI in Sharjah. Shanto’s 76, supported by a vital cameo from debutant Jaker Ali (37), guided Bangladesh to 252/7, a total that their bowlers, spearheaded by Nasum Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, successfully defended in spin-friendly conditions.

The pitch at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, which had offered considerable turn in the first match, again proved challenging for the batsmen. Afghanistan, asked to bowl first, used their spinners heavily, sending down 38 overs for seven wickets and conceding just 144 runs. However, Bangladesh managed to accumulate 108 runs from the other 12 overs, which proved to be the difference.

Bangladesh made a strong start with Tanzid Hasan hitting three boundaries off Fazalhaq Farooqi and a six off Allah Ghazanfar. Despite an early wicket, Shanto and Soumya Sarkar steadied the ship with a 71-run partnership. However, Afghanistan's spin attack tightened its grip, and the scoring slowed in the middle overs. Shanto reached his half-century off 75 balls but was dismissed for 76 when Ghazanfar trapped him LBW, only for the decision to be overturned on review. Rashid Khan removed Mehidy Hasan Miraz soon after, and Afghanistan appeared to have control of the game.

Nangeyalia Kharote then made quick work of the Bangladesh middle order, dismissing Towhid Hridoy, Shanto, and Mahmudullah in quick succession. At 184/6, Bangladesh’s total looked in jeopardy, but debutant Jaker Ali stepped up with an aggressive 37 off 27 balls, including three sixes. He and Nasum Ahmed (25 off 24) added 46 runs in the final six overs, boosting Bangladesh’s total to 252.

Afghanistan's chase started well, with Sediqullah Atal and Rahmat Shah adding 52 for the second wicket. However, once Nasum Ahmed dismissed Atal with his first ball, the pressure mounted. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi was dismissed for 17, and a disastrous mix-up led to Rahmat Shah’s run-out for 52. At 119/5, Afghanistan's hopes faded, and despite a late fight, Bangladesh’s spinners wrapped up the innings with ease.

Brief Scores:

Bangladesh 252/7 in 50 overs (Najmul Hossain Shanto 76, Jaker Ali 37; Nangeyalia Kharote 3-24, Rashid Khan 2-35)  

Afghanistan 184 in 43.3 overs (Rahmat Shah 52; Nasum Ahmed 3-28, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 2-37, Mustafizur Rahman 2-37)  

Bangladesh won by 68 runs.