BD go one up in ODI series against Afghanistan

KABUL (Pajhwok): Bangladesh have outplayed Afghanistan by four wickets in the opener of the one-day international series.

An unbroken 174-run partnership between Afif Hossain and Mehidy Hasan saw the Tigers cruising to victory in Chattogram.

The crucial seventh wicket stand lifted the hosts from 45 for six at one point in the match, the Associated Press reported.

Afif chipped in with a career best 93 while Mehidy stayed unbeaten at 81 as Bangladesh achieved the target.

The duo frustrated Afghanistan’s star spinners Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi.

Earlier, pacer Fazal Haq Farooqi made inroads into Bangladesh’s top order, leaving the hosts struggling at 18 for four.

Afghanistan, electing to bat first in Wednesday’s ODI, were restricted to 215 in the last over.

The highlight of Afghanistan’s innings was a a 67-run knock by Najibullah Zadran, who played 84 balls.

Mustafizur Rahman, who claimed three wickers, was the pick of Bangladeshi bowlers. He was followed by Shakib Al Hasan, Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam took two scalps each.

The second ODI is scheduled to be played at the same venue on Friday (tomorrow).

PAN Monitor/mud