Asia Cup: Afghanistan thrash Bangladesh by 136 runs

Afghanistan produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Bangladesh by 136 runs in their final group-stage match of the Asia Cup here on Thursday.

Chasing a target of 256, Bangladesh struggled from the outset and were bowled out for just 119. Afghanistan's bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings, with Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Gulbadin Naib and Rashid Khan claiming two wickets each.

Bangladesh never managed to build a meaningful partnership during the chase. Shakib Al Hasan top-scored with 32, while Mahmudullah made 27 and Mosaddek Hossain remained unbeaten on 26.

The middle and lower order offered little resistance as wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. Mahmudullah and Mosaddek attempted to keep the innings going towards the end, but the lack of support at the other end made the target increasingly unrealistic.

Afghanistan had earlier posted 255/7 after being asked to bat first, with several of their batsmen making valuable contributions.

Hashmatullah Shahidi anchored the innings with a composed 58, while Rashid Khan provided the late acceleration with an unbeaten 57. Gulbadin Naib also played an important role, remaining not out on 42.

Opener Mohammad Shahzad added 37 at the top, giving Afghanistan a useful start before the middle order took control of the innings.

Bangladesh's best bowling performance came from Shakib Al Hasan, who claimed four wickets for 42 runs. Abu Hider Rony picked up two wickets, but Afghanistan's batting depth allowed them to recover from the wickets lost in the middle overs and finish with a competitive total.

Rashid was influential with both bat and ball, underlining his growing importance to Afghanistan's limited-overs side. His unbeaten half-century gave the innings momentum late on before he returned to help dismantle Bangladesh's chase with the ball.

The victory completed a strong group-stage showing for Afghanistan and demonstrated the team's growing ability to compete across both batting and bowling departments. Bangladesh, in contrast, struggled to cope with Afghanistan's disciplined attack and never found the partnerships needed for a successful chase.

Brief scores:

Afghanistan: 255/7 (Hashmatullah Shahidi 58, Rashid Khan 57 not out, Gulbadin Naib 42 not out; Shakib Al Hasan 4/42)

Bangladesh: 119 all out (Shakib Al Hasan 32, Mahmudullah 27, Mosaddek Hossain 26 not out; Rashid Khan 2/13)

Afghanistan won by 136 runs.