Consolation win for Tigers

Bangladesh managed to avoid whitewash in the three-match series against Afghanistan with a seven-wicket win in the third and final ODI at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium in Chattogram yesterday.

Shoriful Islam starred with the ball, registering his career-best figures of 4 for 21 while Taskin Ahmed, Taijul Islam also bagged two wickets each. Shakib Al Hasan bowled brilliantly and ended with miserly figures of 13 for one from his 10 overs as the visitors were bundled out for their lowest total of 126 against Bangladesh.

The hosts lost two early wickets in the form of Naim Sheikh and Najmul Hossain – both falling to Fazalhaq Farooqi, but skipper Liton Das and Shakib steadied things for the Tigers. 

Shakib was dismissed after a run-a-ball 39, but remained unbeaten on 53 off sixty deliveries – his 10th half-century in the format, while Towhid Hridoy was not out on 22 to clinch an easy win in the end.

Bangladesh had come up with three changes, with Taskin, Shoriful and Taijul returning to the side. Despite having already lost the series, the Tigers came up with an aggressive approach and looked to make a statement after Afghanistan opted to bat. 

Afghanistan opted to rest their star leg-spinner Rashid Khan but their batting failed to click, courtesy of some fiery bowling upfront by Shoriful. 

The left-arm seamer came up with a double blow for Afghanistan in his second over, removing last match's centurion Ibrahim Zadran for one with an edge to the keeper, and following up with the wicket of Rahmat Shah.

He went on to pick Mohammad Nabi and Abdul Rahman as the visitors were bundled out for a small total.