Afghanistan and Bangladesh have produced a highly entertaining 3 match T20 series at Dehradun. Bangladesh were outplayed by the opposition in the 1st match of the tournament. They got close in the 2nd T20 but could not withstand the brutal hitting of Mohammad Nabi.
Coming to the 3rd and final T20, it was another fitting encounter between the two evenly matched teams. Bangladesh seemed a better side wielding all their experience. Though they also looked a touch nervous in the quest to avoid a white wash.
Afghanistan started well with Mohammad Shehzad blasting 18 runs in the 1st over itself. He was incorrectly adjudged Lbw by the umpire. It helped Bangladesh stem the run flow and they managed to restrict Afghanistan on 145 runs.
Also read: Pride at stake for Bangladesh in the 3rd T20 against Afghanistan
With a spin attack Afghanistan posses the match was well balanced at the break. Tamim Iqbal looked good but eventually perished to Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Soumya Sarkar and Litton Das looked in command but two unfortunate run outs got two new batsman at the crease and Bangladesh was on the back foot.
Now it was the responsibility of veteran and experienced batters to take them home. Shakib Al Hasan hit a six over square leg and it seemed as if it were his day. But a spectacular catch by Shenwari sent him back to the pavilion. Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmadullah got some momentum and they looked to seal it easily with 5 consecutive boundaries in the 19th over. Rashid Khan bowled the last over and brought the match to 4 runs needed of the last ball. Ariful Haque almost hit a 6 of the last ball but Shafiqullah Shafiq pushed the ball in play just in time. Bangladesh were dejected and lost the match by 1 run.
Afghanistan will play a Test match against India on 14th June in Bengaluru.
Image Source – Indianexpress.com