Bangladesh were off to a perfect start in the World Twenty20, beating Afghanistan by nine wickets in the opener on Sunday. The win also records Bangladesh’s first international victory this year. Put to bat first, Afghanistan were bowled out for a miniature 72-run total with a brilliant show in the field from the home side. In reply, Bangladesh breezed through their chase of 73 runs for victory, losing only opener Tamim Iqbal’s (21) wicket in the process. Other opener Anamul Haque (44) bludgeoned a six to bring his team to coast. Shakib Al Hasan (10), adjudged man of the match, remained unbeaten with Anamul. Afghan bowler Dawlat Zadran created an unpleasant scene when he threw the ball directly back at Tamim, who was still in his crease, to be struck on the pads by the hurl. The incident turned worse when Shakib confronted him. Tamim (21) was the only batsman to fall for the hosts. He was trapped leg-before-wicket by Samiullah Senwari. The opener was dropped on 7 when wicket-keeper Mohammad Shahzad fluffed a sharp edge off Karim Sadiq. Earlier, Afghanistan were put to bat first and were bowled out for only 72 runs in 17.1 overs by the hosts. The Afghans smashed only six boundaries and a six in their innings Afghanistan were put under pressure right from the start. Mashrafe Mortaza struck for Bangladesh in the first ball of his over. Mohammad Shahzad (0) went for a heave and found the top-edge to send the ball high up for a catch to Mahmudullah at mid-off. Najeeb Tarakai (7) and Gulbadin Naib (21) were both sent back in consecutive balls by Shakib Al Hasan. Naib was dropped in the first ball of the over by Sabbir Rahman – who made amends by taking a running catch in deep midwicket in the next ball to send the batsman packing. Tarakai was caught at midwicket by Nasir Hossain in the subsequent ball. Nawroz Mangal (0) misjudged a run to fall short of his crease as Sabbir took out the stumps with a sharp throw. Skipper Mohammad Nabi (3) was trapped in front of the stumps by Abdur Razzak with Afghanistan reeling at 50 for five. Samiullah Shenwari (1) fell as he was the second one to be struck on the pads in front of the stumps by Razzak. Soon, Karim Sadiq (10) erred in judgment as well and another superb field effort from Farhad Reza. Safiqullah was (16) caught behind as Mahmudullah’s ball brushed his gloves on it’s way to Mushfiqur Rahim’s hands. Dawlat Zadran (1) went back off Farhad Reza for a catch to Mahmudllah Shakib went through Shapoor Zadran’s (1) gates to bowl Afghanistan out for only 72 runs. Shakib bagged three wickets with the brilliant figures of 8 for 3 in 3.1 overs. Razzak picked up two wickets. Mashrafe, Farhad and Mahmudullah picked up a wicket each for the hosts. – bdnews24.com
