Bangladesh Levels Series with Afghanistan in Spin-Dominated ODI

Bangladesh recovered from a shaky performance in the first ODI to set a competitive target of 252 runs against Afghanistan in the second match, thanks to Najmul Hossain Shanto’s steady 76 off 119 balls. Shanto, who acknowledged his role in Bangladesh’s previous collapse, led the innings with patience and determination. Debutant Jaker Ali contributed with a quick 37 off 27 balls at the end, partnering with Nasum Ahmed to provide a much-needed late boost.

Afghanistan’s Spinners Keep Bangladesh in Check

Afghanistan’s spinners put pressure on Bangladesh’s batting lineup for much of the innings. Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Nangeyalia Kharote, and Abdul Rahman Ghazanfar bowled a combined 38 overs, allowing only 144 runs and claiming seven wickets. Ghazanfar struck early, removing Tanzid Hasan for 18, while Rashid and Kharote slowed down Bangladesh’s scoring with tight spells and frequent breakthroughs.

Shanto and Soumya Sarkar Steady the Innings

After the early loss of Tanzid, Shanto and Soumya Sarkar managed to stabilize the innings, bringing Bangladesh to 57 by the ninth over. However, Rashid dismissed Soumya lbw for 35, ending a 71-run second-wicket partnership. Shanto continued to build but had difficulty scoring freely against Afghanistan’s spinners.

Shanto reached his fifty off 75 balls, working with Mehidy Hasan Miraz to keep the score moving with singles, though the spinners kept dot balls flowing. In the end, Kharote struck three times in quick succession, removing Shanto, Hridoy, and Mahmudullah, which slowed Bangladesh’s push for a bigger total.

Jaker Ali and Nasum Ahmed Lift Bangladesh to 252

Jaker Ali and Nasum Ahmed counter-attacked in the last six overs, adding 60 runs with some aggressive shots. Nasum hit a six, and Jaker struck back-to-back sixes off Farooqi to boost the total. Nasum’s 25 off 24 balls and Jaker’s powerful debut helped Bangladesh reach 252, setting Afghanistan a challenging target.

Afghanistan’s Chase Struggles Against Bangladesh’s Bowlers

Afghanistan’s top order struggled from the start of their chase. Bangladesh’s bowlers, particularly the spinners, applied pressure and took early wickets, making it difficult for Afghanistan to keep up with the required run rate. Shoriful Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz delivered tight spells, which restricted the scoring opportunities for Afghanistan.

Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi attempted to stabilize the innings with a cautious partnership but couldn’t build momentum as the required run rate increased.

Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi Show Resistance, But Bangladesh Holds On

Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi gave Afghanistan hope with some late hitting, adding valuable runs as they tried to close the gap. However, Taskin Ahmed broke the partnership by dismissing Nabi, and Shoriful soon removed Rashid to end Afghanistan’s chances.

Bangladesh’s Spinners Secure Victory

Bangladesh’s spinners continued their dominance over Afghanistan’s lower order. Mehidy and Nasum bowled economically, making it tough for Afghanistan to score freely on the turning track. In the end, Afghanistan couldn’t reach the target, and Bangladesh claimed a convincing victory to level the series.

With standout performances from Shanto, Jaker, and Nasum in the first innings, combined with disciplined bowling, Bangladesh has gained momentum going into the final ODI. Both teams will aim to learn from this spin-heavy contest as they prepare for the decider.