Four star Rashid ensures series clinching win for Afghanistan

Rashid Khan weaved his magic yet again as his four-wicket haul helped Afghanistan restrict Bangladesh to 134 for eight in the second T20 of the three-match series here.

Dehradun: Rashid Khan weaved his magic yet again as his four-wicket haul helped Afghanistan set up a six-wicket win and seal the three-match series against Bangladesh in the second T20 here.  

Opting to bat first, Bangladesh managed to put a paltry 134/8 as Afghanistan leggie Rashid Khan shattered the opponent's batting line up with figures of 4/12. 

Rashid ran amok in the 16th over, sending back Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan (3), a set Tamim Iqbal (43 off 48) and Mossadek Hossain (0) to leave Bangladesh gasping at to 103 for seven.

Bangladesh, who were 81 for three in the first 10 overs, could only muster 53 in the next 60 balls for the loss of five wickets.

Afghanistan chased down the total with ease with seven balls to spare, thanks to a decent batting effort led by Samiullah Shenwari, who fell short his half century by 1 run.

Before falling out, openers Mohmmad Shahzad (24) and Usman Ghani (21) provided a good start to Afghanistan while Mohaad Nabi contributed 31 runs to help Afghanistan clinch the series. 

Earlier, the wrecker-in-chief was the unstoppable Rashid, who ended up with figures of four for 12 in four overs. In the series opener too, the 19-year-old had produced a decisive performance, taking three for 13 in three overs.

After having Shakib caught at long-on, Rashid removed Iqbal and Hossain with his well disguised googly to be on a hat-trick for the second time in as many games.

The other spinners Mohammad Nabi (2/19 in four overs) and Mujeeb Zadran (0/15 in four overs) too did their job as Bangladesh batsmen failed to break the shackles.

Unlike the previous game, Bangladesh skipper Shakib thought it was best to bat first on a slow surface.

The spirited Afghanistan team struck in the second over when Liton Das pulled a short delivery from pacer Shapoor Zadran straight into the hands of the deep square leg fielder.

Sabbir Rahman (13) threw his wicket away after smashing Shapoor for three successive fours to leave Bangladesh at 30 for two in the fifth over.

Then came the 45-run stand between Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim (22) but the latter's fall led to a complete batting surrender by Bangladesh.

Both the sides will square off for the final time in the series here on Thursday.