Tigers seal biggest T20 win

Sabbir Rahman’s (not in picture) brilliant throw from short mid-wicket caught Afghan batsman Nawroz Mangal well short of his ground as Tigers routed Afghanistan for 72 at Mirpur Sunday. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Bangladesh picked up a comprehensive victory over Afghanistan in the first match of the World T20 at Mirpur today, beating them by nine wickets.

The Tigers chased down the Afghans’ 72-run total with 48 balls remaning, the biggest win for Bangladesh both in terms of wickets and balls remaining in T20 internationals.

Anamul Haque was the architect of Tigers’ chase, scoring 44 off just 33 balls, hitting three sixes and four boundaries.

Tamim Iqbal hit a patient 21 from 27 deliveries on his comeback game, while Shakib accompanied Anamul with 10 runs from 12 balls.

Earlier, Afghnistan folded to 72 all-out from 17.1 overs against a strong bowling display from Bangladesh led by Shakib and Mashrafe Mortaza.

No Afghan batsman except Ghulbadin Naib, who made 21, could come up with a notable contribution, as Tigers maintained tight lengths and lines throughout the innings.

Shakib was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets for just 8 runs off 3.1 overs.

Abdur razzak picked up two, while Mahumudullah, Mashrafe and Farhad Reza claimed one wicket each.

Shakib was adjudicated man of the match for his all-round performance.