Afghanistan outplayed us in all three departments: Shakib Al Hasan

Team Afghanistan came up with a complete performance to beat Bangladesh in the first of the three T20Is. They beat the visiting Bangladesh side by 45 runs in the first-ever international showdown in Dehradun. The “hosts” never really gave a sniff to the Bangladesh side in the match. The spin trio of the Afghanistani side, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, and Mujeeb Rahman scalped 6/54 in 11 overs to break the back of the Bangladesh run chase.

Chasing 167 for the win, Bangladesh could only muster 122 before getting bowled out. After the game, their skipper Shakib Al Hasan admitted that Afghanistan outplayed them in all three departments. He expressed the need for their batsmen to step up. Shakib looked happy with the way their bowlers fared up on the day.

Bangladesh captain – Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib Al Hasan said: Generally we bowled well, except for the last four overs which cost us the match. Giving away those many runs was not ideal. We have lot to do. Need to sit down and look at the areas which we need to improve. They’re a good side, and they outplayed us in all three departments. Overall we have so many areas which we need to look at. When you’re chasing 170-odd runs, you need to bat well. Credit to them the way they bowled. They’ve got some quality spinners.

Afghanistan captain – Asghar Stanikzai

Meanwhile, the Afghanistan skipper, Asghar Stanikzai, pointed out that the first match of any series is very important. It sets up the tone for the remainder of the series. Stanikzai also thanked the crowds in Dehradun. It was surprising to see crowds come out in huge numbers for a non-India game. He credited his bowlers for their exceptional work on the day.

Asghar Stanikzai said: Every series the first game is very important. Today, our batsmen played very well. That was enough runs on this wicket. I know my bowlers. Which time they will be good to bowl. Conditions were good for us. Want to thank the crowd.

Player of the Match – Rashid Khan

In the game, it was Rashid Khan who proved to be the difference between the two sides. Rashid dismissed Mushfiqur Rahim and Sabbir Rahman on the first two deliveries of his spell. He finished with figures of 3/13 in his 3 three overs to be named as the Player of the Match. Rashid remarked that experience of playing in the IPL helped the Afghanistani spinners in the game. He hailed the IPL as the biggest stage.

Rashid Khan quoted: It was about keeping everything simple, what I’ve done in last two-three months. I don’t have any specific plan. I keep it simple. Just to bowl little bit back of length, not too full. I’m just enjoying myself, that is the key thing. It was a good surface, ball was gripping, little bit dew was there. We have just played IPL. That’s the biggest stage. If you perform well there, it gives you the confidence.

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