Bangladesh beat Afghanistan despite stumbling in 1st T20I: Key stats
What's the story
Bangladesh beat Afghanistan in the 1st of the three-match T20I series at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The Jaker Ali-led side first restricted Afghanistan to 151/9 in 20 overs. Afghanistan, who were down to 95/6, propelled past 150 on the back of Mohammad Nabi's knock. Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan Tamim later added a 109-run opening stand. Although Bangladesh faltered, they won by four wickets.
AFG innings
How Afghanistan's innings panned out
Despite having a steady start, electing to bat, Afghanistan were down from 25/0 to 40/4. Although Rahmanullah Gurbaz held his end, he kept losing partners. With his departure, Afghanistan slumped to 95/6. However, cameos from Azmatullah Omarzai (18), Nabi (38), and Sharafuddin Ashraf (17*) powered the Afghans to 151/9 in 20 overs. Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Rishad Hossain took two wickets each.
Start
Bangladesh cruise with Tanzid-Parvez stand
In contrast, Bangladesh had an incredible start. They saw a 109-run opening partnership with Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Parvez Hossain Emon. At 109/0, Bangladesh were cruising in the run chase. Tanzid Hasan hammered a 37-ball 51 (3 fours and 3 sixes), while Parvez Hossain finished with 54 off 37 balls (4 fours and 3 sixes). Fareed Ahmad gave Afghanistan their first breakthrough, dismissing Parvez.
Key stats
Key numbers of Parvez, Tanzid
In 24 T20Is, Parvez has raced to 505 runs at an average of 21.95. His strike rate in the format reads 134.66. The Bangladesh batter completed his third T20I half-century. He also has a ton. Meanwhile, Tanzid hammered his eighth half-century in T20I cricket. The left-handed batter now has 856 T20I runs at a strike rate of 127.95.
Turning point
Rashid's spell changes the match
After losing Parvez, Bangladesh lost five more wickets in the next four overs. Rashid Khan turned the match upside down by dismissing Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Jaker Ali, and Shamim Hossain in quick succession. Noor Ahmad further brought Bangladesh down to 118/6, removing Tanzim Hasan Sakib. With 34 runs required off 24 balls, Nurul Hasan (23*) and Rishad Hossain (14*) did the job.
Wickets
Rashid's ninth four-fer in T20Is
Rashid was the match's standout bowler, taking four wickets for 18 runs in four overs. The Afghanistan wrist-spinner now has 177 wickets from 104 T20Is at an incredible average of 13.71. He is the highest wicket-taker in the format. In Sharjah, Rashid recorded his ninth four-wicket haul in T20Is. His tally also includes two fifers. Rashid's economy rate in T20Is reads 6.11.