Afghans win, make history in rain and gloom

Chittagong, September 9

Rashid Khan picked up six wickets in the second innings to lead Afghanistan to a famous 224-run win over Bangladesh in the maiden Test match between the two sides.

Racing against time to complete a win with less than four overs left in the weather-hit match, the longest-format rookies bundled out the hosts for 173 in their second innings amid a drizzle and fading light. The 20-year-old Rashid, who became the youngest Test captain ever during the one-off match, took 6/49 in the second innings to finish with 11 wickets in the match to go with his knock of 51 with the bat in the first innings.

Rashid Player of the Match

Rashid was adjudged the Player of the Match, which he dedicated to fellow spinner and former captain Mohammad Nabi who retired from Tests but will continue to play white-ball cricket. Playing only their third Test after being inducted as a Test-playing nation two years back, it was the second victory for the strife-torn country.

The touring side posted 342 in the first innings. Rashid and Nabi, who took 3/56 in the first innings, then combined to skittle Bangladesh for 205 for a handy first innings lead. Afghanistan then made 260 in their second innings to set Bangladesh a steep target. Once Afghanistan reduced Bangladesh to 136/6 in the second innings, the fate of the match was almost decided. Heavy showers allowed little play through the final day leaving Afghanistan with about 18.3 overs in the final session. Rashid took three out of those with just 3.2 overs remaining. — Reuters

Brief Scores: Afghans: 342 and 260; Bangla: 205 and 173 (Shakib 44, Shadman 41; Rashid 6/49)