Afghanistan score 254 for 6 against Bangladesh

Newcomer Afghanistan scored a fighting total of 254 for 6 in 50 overs against hosts Bangladesh in their 2nd match of the Asia Cup Cricket at the Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah on Saturday. Sent into bat first, Afghanistan faced an initial batting collapse losing five top wickets including captain—Mohammad Sehzad (2), Karim Sadiq (12), Najibullha Zadran (21), Nawroz Mangal (24) and captain Mohammad Nabi (7)–for 90 runs in 26.5 overs. When Bangladeshi spinners were busy to dismiss their new South Asian rival cheaply closing all escape doors, then Afghanistan one again displayed their spirit and character in Fatullah. In the 6th wicket stand, Asghar Stanikzai and Samiullah Shenwari contributed 164 runs off 138 balls to carry the Afghan total from 90 for 5 to a strong 254 runs in 49.5 astonishing the home crown. Finally, Afghanistan folded their innings at 254 for 6 in 50 over as no run was added in last ball. The two batsmen went through a careful rebuilding phase till the 40th over, before exploding in the last 10 to amass 107 runs – easily their best performance in the final overs before the stand was broken as Shinwari was run out for 81 off 69 balls with 10 fours and one six in the 2nd last ball of the innings. Number five Asghar Stanikzai contributed the team highest and an unconquered 90 runs off 103 balls featuring six fours and three sixes. Arafat Sunny grabbed two wickets for 44 runs while Mominul Haque and Rubel Hossain took one wicket each conceding 38 and 61 runs respectively, according to a news agency.