1st ODI: Bangladesh beat Afghanistan by 4 wickets

Bangladesh scripted a remarkable comeback in the first of a 3-match ODI series against Afghanistan in Chattogram on Wednesday as they rode on a 174-run unbeaten stand for the 7th wicket to gun down a target of 216. Bangladesh took a 1-0 lead, thanks to a record-breaking 7th-wicket partnership between Afif Hossain and Mehidy Hasan.

The 174-run stand is a new record for the highest partnership for the 7th wicket of lower in ODI run chases. It's also the highest partnership for Bangladesh in ODI cricket anything lower than the 5th wicket.

Bangladesh had a horror start as they were reduced to 45/6 in just the 12th over. Pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi, who bagged an Indian Premier League contract with the SunRisers Hyderabad, ran through the top-order, picking up 4 wickets with the new ball. He got captain Tamim Iqbal for 8, Liton Das for 1, Mushfiqur Rahim for 3 and Yasir Ali for 0.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman picked up the big wicket of Shakib Al Hasan for 10 following which Bangladesh lost Mahmudullah for 8 to Rashid Khan.

However, Afif and Mahidy resisted the Afghanistan charge. While Afif hit 93 from 115 balls, including 11



boundaries and a six, Mehidy was unbeaten on 81 from 120 balls, which included 9 boundaries.

Captain Tamim Iqbal said he did not believe that Bangladesh would be able to chase 216 when they were reeling at 45/6 while lauding the two batters in Afif and Mehidy for their "unbelievable" efforts.

"Honestly no. I didn't, no. To come here and say that I had belief, I would be lying. 45/6 chasing 215, very difficult, the way the youngsters played, unbelievable, very happy and proud. Not easy at all. Afghanistan have a great spin attack and the way these two handled was amazing and lot to learn as well," Tamim said.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh came up with a determined effort with the ball to bowl Afghanistan out for 215 in 49.1 overs.

Mustafizur Rahman picked up 3 wickets while the likes of Taskin Ahmed, Shakib Al Hasan and Shoriful Islam picked up 2 wickets each.

Najibullah Zadran top-scored for Afghanistan with 67 but there was very little contribution from the rest of the batting unit.

The two teams will meet in the 2nd ODI on Friday at the same venue in Chattogram.