6:01pm An innings that lasted for more than four hours and yielded 235 runs for Afghanistan. At one point, though, it felt that even this total would be out of reach, only for them to be rescued by their skipper and Nabi Shahidi battled his way to his half-century, giving Afghanistan the solidity they craved, while Nabi took the attack to Bangladesh and transferred pressure onto them. Kharote also popped up with a valuable cameo towards the end, ensuring Afghanistan now have something to bowl at.
Bangladesh will be slightly frustrated, given they had Afghanistan 71-5. Mustafizur and Taskin bagged four apiece, with Shoriful picking up another. Mehidy, like Rishad, could not pick up a wicket but he did keep the runs down. Bangladesh will probably fancy their chances of getting this total but they will be mindful of the strong Afghanistan attack they will have to contend with. Himanshu will be back in a bit for the chase!
Jonathan Trott: (On their score) If you'd have given that after ten overs, we'd have bitten your hands off. The partnership that he (Nabi) put together (with his captain) has gotten us to what could be a defendable target. We have to bowl and field really well. (On Nabi) True credit to a guy who looks after himself. A talented guy who makes the most of his talent. We would have liked it (the partnership between Nabi and Shahidi) to go on a little longer but it wasn't to be. Lots of areas to work on (in the batting department). (On if the total is enough) I hope so.
Fazalhaq Farooqi run out 0 (10m 2b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.00
Shoriful to bowl the last over. Can Afghanistan get to 240?
END OF OVER:49 | 11 Runs | AFG: 230/9 | RR: 4.69
- Nangeyalia Kharote22 (24b)
- Fazalhaq Farooqi0 (2b)
- Mustafizur Rahman10-0-58-4
- Taskin Ahmed10-0-53-4