Chattogram, July 11: Left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam’s career-best 4/21 helped Bangladesh avoid being swept when it beat Afghanistan by seven wickets in an ODI on Tuesday.
Afghanistan won the first two ODIs, including a record total of 331/9 on Saturday. But three days later, the visitors were bowled out for 126 in 45.2 overs.
Bangladesh raced to the target in 23.3 overs, reaching 129/3 with an unbeaten 53 from captain Liton Das.
A change of bowlers by Bangladesh made the difference. Shoriful came in, along with fast bowler Taskin Ahmed and left-arm spinner Taijul Islam. The latter pair picked up two wickets apiece. Taskin and Shoriful maintained a better line and length and Shoriful swung the ball brilliantly to strike twice in his first over.
No. 7 batter Azmatullah Omarzai scored 56 to help Afghanistan pass 100. His partnership with Mujeeb-ur-Rahman for the ninth wicket of 36 was their highest of the innings. (AP)
