Bangladesh survive scare to take lead with win over Afghanistan

Nurul and Rishad added an unbeaten 33-run for the seventh wicket to take Bangladesh over the line after Rashid picked up four wickets for 18 runs to lead a miraculous comeback for Afghanistan

- Mohammad Abdullah, Senior Reporter

Nurul Hasan and Rishad Hossain held their nerve to lead the fight back as Bangladesh survived a Rashid Khan scare to register a nervy four-wicket win over Afghanistan in their first T201 match in Sharjah.

They added an unbeaten 33-run for the seventh wicket to take Bangladesh over the line after Rashid picked up four wickets for 18 runs to lead a miraculous comeback for Afghanistan.

Nurul chipped in with a 13-ball 23 cameo and Rishad scored an unbeaten 14 after Bangladesh had brought themselves on the brink of losing after very strong start.

Bangladesh openers Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emom played brilliant knocks as they added 109 runs for the first wicket to set the tone for a successful chase. They toyed with the renowned Afghanistan spin attack. Afghanistan have world class spinners, who can change the complexion of any game on any turf and it was evident once again.

But they Bangladeshi openers not only kept them at bay but also scored freely all over the ground. The chase was facilitated by the sloppy Afghanistan fielders, who dropped quite a few catches.