Bangladesh-A thumped by Afghanistan-A

After a successful two-match four-day series, touring Afghanistan-A stunned Bangladesh-A in the one day series opener on Friday, reports UNB.

Wicketkeeper and opening batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz struck an unbeaten century as the tourists completed a 10-wicket victory.

Bangladesh-A won the toss and batted first at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, posting a meagre 201 for eight wickets in 50 overs. The tourists took 43.5 overs to chase the target (202 for none).

Gurbaz struck 105 off 138 with 11 fours and three sixes to guide Afghanistan to a big win while the other opener Ibrahim Zadran remained unbeaten at 85.

Bangladesh-A lost four wickets before posting 100 runs, although openers Imurl Kayes (28) and Anamul Haque (19) put up a 52-run stand.

Afif Hossain, the left-handed middle-order batsman, was only to show some batting prowess from Bangladesh team while Farhad Reza added 30 at the lower of the order. Eventually, Bangladesh ended up at 201 for eight wickets in 50 overs.

For Afghanistan, Naveen-ul-Haque and Karim Janat took two wickets each while Fazal Niazai, Sharafuddin Ashraf and Qais Ahmed took one wicket each.

Bangladesh played four national players - Anamul Haque, Sabbir Rahman, Rubel Hossain and Mohammad Mithun - in this match. None of them lived up to the expectations.

While Anamul posted 19, Sabbir scored 15 and Mithun posted only three. Rubel bowled 7.3 overs, conceding 24 runs but failed to take any wicket.

Both teams will face each other in five matches. The other four matches are scheduled for 21, 24, 27 and 29 July.