Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran both scored hundreds as Afghanistan crushed Bangladesh by 142 runs on Saturday to cap their one-day, three-match international streak. Bangladesh tried to pull off a strange week after captain Tamim Iqbal shocked his teammates by announcing his immediate retirement on Thursday, only to change his mind a day later. Afghanistan’s openers laid the groundwork for a massive 331-9 aggregate in Chittagong with their 256-run record, a record partnership for the tourists, before their bowlers did the rest.
Fazalhaq Farooqi claimed 3-22 and Mujeeb Ur Rahman took 3-40 as Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh for 189 in the 44th over. The victory makes Afghanistan only the second team to win an ODI series in Bangladesh in the last seven years, after world champions England.
Mushfiqur Rahim top-scored for the hosts with 69 in a lone battle for the hosts after they were reduced to 72-6, with some support from Mehidy Hasan in an 87-run partnership for the seventh wicket.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman sacked Mehidy for 25, leaving Mushfiqur with too much to do. Mushfiqur hollowed out to Mujeeb with a deep square leg at Farooqi, ending the match with last man Ebadot Hossain unable to hit.
Bangladesh, who lost their first game by 17 runs on Wednesday, had opted to bowl first after stand-in skipper Litton Das won the toss.
The hosts struggled to make breakthroughs on a green surface and by the time Shakib Al Hasan had Gürbaz leg-fore, Afghanistan were already closing in on their previous best score against Bangladesh of 306-4.
Gurbaz, who scored his fourth ODI ton, hit 145 off 125 balls and hit 13 fours and eight sixes. A few more quick wickets followed as Ebadot dismissed Rahmat Shah (two) while Mehidy removed Hashmatullah Shahidi (two) and Najibullah Zadran (10).
Shakib, Mehidy, Mustafizur and Hasan Mahmud each claimed two wickets for Bangladesh. Ibrahima fell to Mustafizur for an even 100 from 119 deliveries.
Tamim announced his retirement during an emotional press conference on Thursday, the day after Bangladesh’s narrow loss in the series opener.
But he withdrew his retirement after meeting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday and said he had been ordered to change his mind. Instead, he takes a six-week sabbatical and returns for the Asian Cup.
The third and final game of the series will be held at the same venue on July 11.
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