Dubai:Afghanistan performed both with bat and ball as they thrashed Bangladesh by 136 runs at the Asia Cup here on Thursday.
It wouldn't be wrong to say that on Thursday, cricket viewers witnessed a marvelous performance by Afghanistan. It seems that they valued their decision of batting first against Bangladesh.
Afghanistan wrapped up the innings as Rubel Hossain got LBW by Mujeeb Ur Rahman while Bangladesh was all out for 119 runs in just 42.1 overs.
Afghanistan made a challenging 255 for seven wickets in the last group match of the tournament. Both Rashid Khan (57 not out) and Gulbuddin Naib (42 not out) added 95 runs for the eighth wicket and then the bowlers did their job and stopped Bangladesh to 119 runs in 42.1 overs.
While chasing the target, the Bangladesh lost four wickets for 43 runs and failed to return to the match. Shakib Al Hasan scored 55 runs off 32 balls. Mahmudullah scored 27 runs in 54 balls. Afghanistan's leg-spinner Rashid Khan sent the duo to pavilion. Mossad Hossain remained unbeaten on 26 runs
Mujeeb took two wickets for 22 runs while Gulbuddin Naib took two wickets for 30 runs and Rashid took two wickets for 13 runs.
However, Bangladesh hardly have any impact of this loss as Afghanistan and Bangladesh had already reached the Super-4 after Sri-Lanka lost both matches. India will face Bangladesh in Super-4 matches on Friday, while Afghanistan will face Pakistan in Abu Dhabi on the same day.(UNI)