Liton ton helps Tigers to seal ODI series over Afghanistan

A century of Liton Das helped Bangladesh to wrap up the three-match ODI series in style with 88-run victory over Afghanistan in the second ODI at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.

Liton’s 136 off 126 was studded by 16 fours and two sixes and was well complemented by Mushfiqur Rahim’s 86 off 93 as Bangladesh compiled a hefty 306-4, their highest total against Afghanistan. The bowlers then bowled well in tandem to dismiss Afghans for 218 in 45.1 overs.

Bangladesh won the first match by four wickets and now this victory gave them an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. Liton and Mushfiqur Rahim combined for a national record 202-run for the third wicket, eclipsing 178 by Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim against Pakistan in 2015.

Both of them however were dismissed by Farid Ahmad Malik in consecutive deliveries. But before that, they paved the platform of a big total, which kept Bangladesh in advantageous position.

After opting to bat first, Bangladesh lost skipper Tamim Iqbal for 12, following a slow start and Liton also had a nervy start. Shakib Al Hasan joined him and paced the innings, however, Rashid Khan removed him for 20, indicating a tough day for Bangladesh.

Liton and Mushfiqur then survived some tricky moments against Afghans celebrated spin trio -Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi.

Farid Ahmad brought up an end to his magnificent knock, undoing him with a slower short delivery. Farid got Mushfiqur Rahim with similar delivery in the next ball to finish with 2-56.

Mahmudullah Riyad and Afif Hossain then helped Bangladesh propel past 300 runs mark. It was Bangladesh’s 21st 300 plus total in their 390 ODIs.

The third and final ODI is on Monday.

ARR