Afghanistan Cricket Team pulled up their first major win against any test playing nation by beating hosts Bangladesh in the fifth match of the Asia Cup 2014 held at Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium, Fatullah, Bangladesh. Playing in Asia Cup for the first time, Afghanistan not only beat the the test-playing hosts convincingly but also nearly managed to sneak a bonus point. Afghanistan achieved the historic win in only their fourth match against a major national cricket team.
Bangladesh skipper Mushfiqur Rahim won the toss and put Afghanistan to bat. After losing a few early wickets, Asghar Stanikzai and Samiullah Shenwari made a historic 164-run stand for the sixth wicket that lifted Afghanistan from 90 for 5 in the 27th over to a competitive 254 for 6 wickets in their 50 overs. Samiullah Shenwari scored 81 off 94 balls while Asghar Stanikzai scored 90 off 152 balls.
Bangladesh kept on losing wickets from the start as Afghan bowlers kept on taking wickets at regular intervals. Skipper Mohammed Nabi took 3 wickets in his 9.4 overs giving only 44 runs. Hamid Hassan and Shapoor Zadran took 2 wickets each while Samiullah Shenwari contributed with 1 wicket. Bangladesh team were bowled out for a paltry 222 runs in 47.5 overs.
Samiullah Shenwari was adjudged the Man of the Match for his all round performance.
For the full scorecard of the match, click here.
