Afghanistan set 148-run target against Bangladesh as Ibrahim Zadran top-scores with 38

SHARJAH: Afghanistan posted a competitive total of 147 for 5 in their second T20I clash against Bangladesh at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, setting a 148-run target after being put in to bat first.

Opener Ibrahim Zadran top-scored for Afghanistan with a composed 38 off 37 balls, providing a steady start alongside Sediqullah Atal, who contributed 23 off 19 before falling to Rishad Hossain.

After Zadran’s dismissal at the hands of Nasum Ahmed, Rahmanullah Gurbaz played a quickfire knock of 30 off 20 deliveries, anchoring the innings through the middle overs before being dismissed by Shoriful Islam.

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However, Afghanistan suffered a brief collapse with Wafiullah Tarakhil managing only 1 run, momentarily stalling their momentum. The innings regained some footing thanks to Darwish Rasooli’s cameo of 14 off 9 balls, before he was bowled by Nasum Ahmed.

A crucial unbeaten partnership between Azmatullah Omarzai (19 off 17*) and Mohammad Nabi (20 off 20*) in the death overs lifted Afghanistan’s total. Bangladesh also conceded two extras, pushing the final score to 147/5.

Earlier, Bangladesh won the toss and elected to field first under the lights in this high-stakes day-night encounter.