Match Number 3 was decided to be played at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamshala. Bangladesh won the toss and decided to take the field. Afghanistan has been one of the most improved sides in International Cricket and they have displayed their potential multiple times in white ball cricket. R. Gurbaz and I. Zadran started the proceedings for Bangladesh, and it won’t be wrong to state that the duo gave a mini heart attack to the Bangladeshis. R Guban picked his spots beautifully and rotated the strike with too perfection. On the other hand, I. Zadran was also showing his class with some fierce shots across the park.
At one point, Afghanistan was at 47-0 in 8.1 overs. The scoreboard was ticking at a good rate but then came the great Shakib-Al-Hasan. The skipper broke the partnership by sending I. Zadran back to the pavilion on 22 runs. R. Shah joined Gurbaz in the middle and the duo started building a good and needy partnership. The score was 83 when Afghanistan lost their 2nd wicket on Shakib’s delivery. It was a difficult track to bat and field, but Bangladesh’s bowling unit did a commendable job. Afghanistan failed to please their fans and supporters as they were bowled out for just 156 in 37.2 Overs.
Shakib-Al-Hasan and Mehidy Hasan took 3-3 wickets each and Shoriful Islam took 2 wickets to help Bangladesh wind up Afghanistan on just 156. 156 was a below-par total and Bangladesh knew that they had the numbers and players who could easily make it possible for them to win the game.
As they came out to bat, Tanzid Hasan and Liton Das opened the inning for Bangladesh. Afghanistan started getting some hope when Najibullah Zadran first hits the direct hit to send T. Hasan back to the pavilion and then Liton Das was sent back to the pavilion with an absolute peach of a delivery by Fazalhaq Farooqi. Came to bat at number 3 and number 4, Mehidy Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto made it further difficult for the Afghans to stay in the game.
The pair went on to make a 97-run stand against a quality bowling attack and challenging conditions. Bangladesh lost 124 and by then, it was too late for Afghanistan to pursue a comeback. Mehidy Hasaan got out on Naveen-Ul-Haq’s delivery. He made a significant contribution in a small yet challenging total by scoring 57 runs in 73 balls with the help of 5 boundaries. On the other hand, N. Shanto remained unbeaten 59* and helped Bangladesh to clinch a 6-wicket victory over Afghanistan.
For his 3 wickets and 57 runs, Mehidy Hassan was awarded as Man of the Match.
Also Recommended: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Full Scorecard
