That's the end of the second leg in Afghanistan's two-part tour to Bangladesh. They've come back strongly in the ODIs after being trounced in the Test. The first of the two T20Is will be on the 14th. See you then. Thanks for tuning in. Goodbye from me, Ekanth, my co-commentator, Abhimanyu Bose, and our scorer, Harshith Gowda.
Hashmat goes to collect the trophy as Afghanistan have won the series 2-1. He poses with a wide smile and then goes to the banner reading WINNER, he hands the trophy and goes to the side as cheers go up. More photos being taken of the players, the Afghan fans look thrilled too. Remember, it's the first time Afghanistan have won a series against Bangladesh.
Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan captain: Very happy with the series performance. Tough for us today, we were not complacent and will learn from the loss. Bangladesh played well, put us under pressure right from the beginning. I won't be part of the T20 squads, my best wishes for the players going in. Special thanks to the Afghanistan fans, They support us everywhere we go.
Litton Das, Bangladesh captain: Before the T20I series, this win helps the boys. They did a good job. Shoriful and Taskin used the new ball well, the spinners bowled well in the middle overs as well. All credit to the bowlers. Definitely confident going into the T20Is.
Fazalhaq Farooqi, POTS: Congratulations to everyone back. I struggled in the Sri Lanka series and we had a good prep camp. The problem in Sri Lanka was that I wasn't bowling in the right areas, I did that here and found success.
Shoriful Islam, POTM: Thanks to almighty. Says he's worked hard to come to this point. After the Ireland games, Hathurasinghe and Donald gave me some things to work on and I did that. When the bowling partnership goes well, the rhythm also improves. Taskin was also bowling very well which made it easier for me.
Presentations coming up.
7:34pm: A convincing consolation win for Bangladesh to end the series. Afghanistan didn't show up with the bat but Farooqi's new-ball strikes gave some hope. But Litton stood tall and Shakib was proactive from the get go. He took the hosts from 28 for 2 after 7 overs to 89 for 3 off 17, his innings and the partnership went at a run a ball. Hridoy was busy at the crease and completed the win. Afghanistan's debutants got a bowl but there wasn't much to defend. Abdul Rahman's pace and Zia-ur-Rehman's ability to turn the ball were positives. But Shoriful's piercing spell and Litton's return-to-form fifty shone today.
Just two needed
END OF OVER:23 | 6 Runs | BAN: 125/3 (2 runs required from 27 overs, RR: 5.43, RRR: 0.07)
- Litton Das53 (60b)
- Towhid Hridoy18 (16b)
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman7-1-34-0
- Zia-ur-Rehman3-0-18-0
Rahat: "@Tasmeem I think Shakib's aggressive style deserves more chances. And besides, he always tries things before world cup. Playing big shots and overpowering opponents will be the key in upcoming World Cup. He never fails to deliver. He will this time too. Have faith."
END OF OVER:22 | 5 Runs | BAN: 119/3 (8 runs required from 28 overs, RR: 5.40, RRR: 0.28)
- Towhid Hridoy17 (15b)
- Litton Das48 (55b)
- Zia-ur-Rehman3-0-18-0
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman6-1-28-0
Maruf: "Tawhid Hridoy's batting should teach other bangladesh batsmen about rotating the strike. 16 runs, no boundaries with strike rate above 100! " Galib also compliments the strike rotation
Mid-on comes in. Slip out
Around. Slip in
END OF OVER:21 | 12 Runs | BAN: 114/3 (13 runs required from 29 overs, RR: 5.42, RRR: 0.44)
- Towhid Hridoy15 (12b)
- Litton Das45 (52b)
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman6-1-28-0
- Zia-ur-Rehman2-0-13-0
Jamil: "oh come on Litton! Bring out your half century already!"
Tasmeem: "Shakib's current form doesn't warrant his place at the top of the order. He basically tries to hit every single ball now, which has greater value down the order when wickets matter less. Against newer balls, his mishits are gonna carry to the fielders more often than not. Also 4 years is a really long time for things to remain the same."
