Openers power Afghanistan to series win over BD

KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghanistan havecrushed Bangladesh by 142 runs in the second ODI to win the three-match series.

Bangladesh won the toss and invited Afghanistan to bat in the match played in Chattogram on Saturday.

The visitors piled up a massive 331-runtotal in the stipulated 50 overs for the loss of nine wickets, setting the hosts a formidable target.

The openers gave Afghanistan a flying start, forging an impressive partnership of 256 runs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz smashed 145 runs in 125 deliveries and Ibrahim Zadran scored 100.

Under pressure to chase a huge target, target, Bangladesh lost wickets at regular intervals and were restricted to 189.

Afghanistan won the match by 142 runs, clinching the series as a result of their second straight victory.

For the tourists, Fazal Haq Farooqi and Mujib Zadran took three wickets each, while Rashid Khan claimed two scalps. Mohammad Nabi bagged one wicket.

The two sides are due to play their third and final game on July 11.

aw/mud