Afghanistan shock Bangladesh in Dhaka thriller; level ODI series 1-1

New Delhi: Mohammad Nabi's all-round performance helped Afghanistan beat favourites Bangladesh in a thriller to level the three-match One-Day International series 1-1 on Wednesday at Dhaka.

Known for their brave heart performances, Afghanistan ride on Nabi's brilliant tp register a two-wicket victory with two balls remaining in the second match.

Afghan skipper Asghar Stanikzai won the toss, and asked the home team to bat first at Played at Shere Bangla National Stadium, and restricted Mashrafe Mortaza's side to 208 all out.

Despite having starts, none of the Bangladeshi batsmen managed to reach 50-run mark, with Mortaza's 45 being the top scorer of the innings.

And it was Nabi who wrecked the Bangladeshi innings with an inspired spell of 16/2 in ten overs, which also included three maidens.

The right-arm offbreak bowler was supported by legbreak googly bowler Rashid Khan, who took three wickets conceding 25 runs.

Afghan response seemed to have succumbed to scoreboard pressure, but a 107-run 5th wicket stand between Nabi and Stanikzai. Afghanistan had lost four wickets for 63 runs inside 16th over, but that century stand swung the momentum in visitors' favour.

Nabi missed half-century by a single run, even as skipper Stanikzai top scored with 57 runs from 95 balls.

Shakib Al Hasan took four wickets, including the top three Afghan batsmen, to give the home a side fight but without their talismanic Mustafizur Rahman, it became a tough ask for them to contain the spirited Afghans.

Nonetheless, Afghanistan still needed nine runs from the last over to win the match, and Dawlat Zadran hit the fourth delivery, bowled by Taskin Ahmed for a four to register a thrilling win, and level the series 1-1.

Bangladesh won the opening match by seven wickets on Sunday. The series decider will be played on Saturday at Dhaka.