Tigers recumbent against Afghan spin again

Bangladesh lost their second match of the ongoing tri-nation T20i series to Afghanistan by 25 runs on Sunday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka for their irresponsible batting from toporders.
 Bangladesh were bowled out for 139 runs in reply to Afghanistan's 164 in the clash where both the sides were unwilling to alter the winning combinations.
Afghanistan inevitably preferred to bat first winning the toss in the evening since they have a very strong batting line-up. More importantly, they scored 198 runs batting first against Zimbabwe on Saturday at this ground. But it was another day and Bangladesh strike bowler Mohammad Saifuddin start that his way uprooting the off stump of dangerman Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the very first ball of the innings. In fact, Gurbaz was completely beaten by the outswinging delivery from Bangladesh speedster.
Shakib Al Hasan, the most expensive Bangladesh bowler against Zimbabwe, showed his class and picked up another Afghan opener Hazratullah Zazai in his first over. Saifuddin hit again as hosts picked three wickets in initial three overs. Shakib preyed Nazibullah Zadran as guests started struggling with 41 for four from powerplay overs and were at 60 for four after first half of the innings.
Withstanding from two senior campaigners in Afghanistan tent Asghar Afghan and Mohammad Nabi backed visitors in track. Their 79 -run amalgamation at the 5th wicket's stand was the foundation of Afghanistan's fighting total. Nabi-Asghar pair became more furious after Asghar got a second life. It was the first ball of 15th over, Asghar's lofted shot was caught at cover but TV umpire found Taijul guilty for overstepping.
The epic partnership however, stopped at the departure of Asghar Afghan. He went for 39 but Nabi remained unbeaten playing a mind-blowing 84 run's innings as touring side posted 164 runs on the board for six wickets from stipulated 20 overs.
Mohammad Saifuddin  from bowling point of view, set a new record of his best T20i career, who hauled four wickets spending 33 runs and Shakib hunted the rest two Afghan wickets.
To chase a pretty high total, Bangladesh play a gamble in batting order. The pillar of Bangladesh middle order Mushfiqur Rahim came to open the innings for the first time in his 15 years' international career, who threw his wicket in the second over of the innings playing a scoop shot against Fareed Malik scoring 5 runs. Mushfiq's partner Liton Das went yet before opening the account.
Two further quick wickets sent home side backfoot. Skipper Shakib returned for 15 while Soumya Sarkar was fooled by Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the very first delivery he faced. Mahmudullah Riyad was also promoted to four at the batting order, who was six short of his 4th T20i half century standing a valuable 58-run partnership with Sabbir Rahman. Sabbir went for 24 runs. Rest of the batsmen were in 'come and go' situation. But Mustafiz entertainment in last couple of overs minimized the margin of defeat as hosts were wrapped up at 139.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman claimed four wickets for 15 runs which is the best bowling figured of the off-spinner. Rashid Khan, Gulbadin Main and Fareed Malik shared two wickets each.
With today's game, the Dhaka phase of the group stage ended and Chattogram phase will commence on September 18. The final of the event is scheduled to be held on September 24 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.