Afghanistan restrict Bangladesh to 115-9

Afghanistan restricted Bangladesh to 115 runs for nine wickets in the second T20 at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur in Dhaka today.

Both teams lined up before the start of play and observed a minute's silence in memory of Australian legend Shane Warne and Rodney Marsh.

Mushfiqur Rahim, playing his 100th T20 game as only the second Bangladesh player after captain Mahmudullah Riyad, top-scored for the side with 30.

Riyad however made 21 and in the process became the first Bangladeshi batter to go past 2000-run mark in this format.

Only two other Bangladeshi batters -- Liton Das and Naim Sheikh could reach double digits in this match, making an identical 13.

Pacers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Azmnatullah Omarzai were the wrecker-in-chief, claiming three wicket apiece, conceding just 18 and 22 runs respectively.

Opting to bat first in a wicket, that had a slight grass, Bangladesh made a disastrous start, losing Munim Shahriar for just 4. In-form Liton though hit a six at the start of the innings, couldn't make his start count and Naim Sheikh was dismissed after an uncomfortably stay in the crease.

Shakib Al Hasan too looked shaky during his stay in the crease and eventually was out for 9.

Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah appeared set to bail the side out of danger, putting on 43-run for the fifth wicket stand, which was instrumental in helping Bangladesh propel past 100.

Leg-spinner Rashid Khan broke the partnership with the wicket of Riyad and then Farooqi removed Mushfiqur Rahim.

Farooqi with the able support from Omarzai then cleaned up the tail to give Afghanistan a hope of leveling the two-match series. Afghanistan lost the first match by 61 runs.