Tigers Stay Alive with 68-Run Victory in Second ODI

After being asked to bat first, Bangladesh posted a competitive total of 252/7 in their 50 overs. Captain Najmul Hossain top-scored with a well-paced 76, which included six fours and one six, before he was dismissed by Nangeyalia Kharote. Debutant Jaker Ali made an immediate impact, scoring 37 off just 27 balls with one four and three sixes, filling in for the injured Mushfiqur Rahim. Nasum Ahmed provided crucial support with 25 runs.

Afghanistan's bowling attack was led by Kharote, who claimed 3 wickets, while Rashid Khan and AM Ghazanfar each picked up two wickets.

In response, Bangladesh's bowlers applied early pressure, with Taskin Ahmed taking the first wicket, removing Rahmanullah Gurbaz after an expensive opening over. Afghanistan struggled to gain momentum in their chase, with Sediqullah Atal and Rahmat Shah managing a 52-run partnership before Nasum Ahmed broke through with his first delivery on return to international cricket, dismissing Atal. Mehidy Hasan produced a stunning catch at backward square leg, a moment of brilliance that swung the momentum in Bangladesh’s favor.

The middle overs saw Afghanistan’s chase stifled by tight bowling from Nasum, Mahmudullah, and Mehidy, forcing the asking rate to climb steadily. Rahmat Shah and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi steadied the ship briefly with a 38-run partnership, but Mustafizur Rahman struck at a crucial moment, removing Shahidi and leaving Afghanistan at 119/5 after 30 overs, still needing 134 runs from the final 20 overs.

Despite brief resistance from Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib, both fell in quick succession, and the Afghan tail quickly crumbled. Mehidy sealed the deal with a wicket-maiden over, dismissing Nangeyalia Kharote to leave Afghanistan eight down at 148. The tail-end collapse continued, with Rashid Khan departing for 14, trying to slog one over long-on, as Afghanistan was eventually bowled out for 184.

The bowlers played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s victory. Nasum Ahmed was the standout performer, claiming 3 wickets. Mehidy Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman took two wickets each, while Shoriful Islam and Taskin Ahmed each picked up a wicket, sharing the spoils in a disciplined performance.

With the series now level at 1-1, the third ODI promises to be a thrilling decider, with both teams looking to secure the series victory.