Afghanistan beats Bangladesh by 32 runs in Asia Cup

Afghanistan has defeated hosts Bangladesh by 32 runs in their Asia Cup clash at Fatullah on Saturday, marking its first win over a Test playing country in four one-day matches.

Afghanistan, which is playing the Asia Cup for the first time, previously lost both their one-day internationals against Pakistan and one against Australia.

According to Sport24, an impressive unbeaten career best 90 by Asghar Stanikzai and a punishing 69-ball 81 by Samiullah Shinwari led Afghanistan to post a challenging 254-6 before bowling out their rivals for 222 in 47.5 overs.

The report mentioned that Bangladesh, which were the runners-up in the last Asia Cup in 2012 to Pakistan, played without their key all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who was suspended over indiscipline, and injured spearhead Mashrafe Mortaza.

Afghanistan owed their total to a record sixth wicket stand of 164 runs between Stanikzai and Shinwari, which is the third highest partnership for Afghanistan in all one-day internationals and the highest for the sixth wicket, the report added.