Half-centuries from Mohammad Nabi and skipper 
Hashmatullah Shahidi helped Afghanistan recovered from a shaky start to post 
235 before being all out in the three-match ODI series opening game today at 
the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Nabi hammered team-best 79 ball-84, smashing fours and three sixes while 
Shahidi scored patient 52 off 92, an innings included only two boundaries.

The duo shared 104 runs for the sixth wicket after Afghanistan were reduced 
to meager 71-5 in 20th over.

Fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed (4-53) and Mustafizur Rahman (4-58) shared eight 
wickets between them, taking four each.

Their disciplined bowling had Afghanistan wobbled at 35-4 after Shahidi won 
the toss and opted to bat first.

Taskin struck in the second over, having dismissed Rahmanullah Gurbaz for 5 
before Mustafizur entered into the party with the wicket of Rahamat Shah (2).

Mustafizur then put Afghans at deep trouble with the double strike that 
accounted Sediqullah Atal (21) and Azmatullah Omarzai for duck. 

Shahidi and Gulbadin Naib appeared to have recovered but Taskin got back with 
bang to dismiss the latter for 22, ending 46-run partnership.

As Bangladesh sensed to expose the Afghans tail, resistance came from Nabi 
who counterattacked in style to leave Bangladesh bowlers in disarray.

With Shahidi playing patiently, Nabi took the bowlers in disdain but luck was 
with him due to butter-fingered Bangladeshi fielders.

The 39-year old Mahmudullah Riyad's slow approach on the field helped Nabi 
survive at least twice.

Mustafizur however broke the partnership, getting rid of Shahidi just after 
he reached his 22nd fifty.

Nabi raised his 17th fifty off 52 balls and grew with confidence but Taskin 
had him caught by Tanzid Hasan Tamim, denting his hopes to get this third 
century.

Nangeyalia Khatore however scored 27 not out to give a finishing touch and 
took the side in a zone from their chance to win the game looked possible.