Sat Nov 09 14:57:13 UTC 2024: ## Bangladesh Set Target of 253 for Afghanistan in Thrilling Series Opener

**Dubai, UAE -** Bangladesh posted a challenging target of 253 runs for Afghanistan in the first T20I of the three-match series, played on Monday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

The Bangladesh innings started with a blistering start, with openers Liton Das (38) and Rony Talukdar (44) putting on a 70-run opening stand. However, the Afghan bowlers fought back and took regular wickets, leaving Bangladesh struggling at 132/6.

However, Jaker Ali, making his T20I debut, played a crucial innings of 50 runs off just 28 balls, smashing six sixes and three fours in his aggressive knock. His blistering knock helped Bangladesh get past the 250-run mark, setting a challenging target for the Afghans.

Ali’s heroics came after Bangladesh lost wickets in quick succession, with Nasum Ahmed (28 off 21) providing vital support towards the end. The Afghan bowlers, though, were not able to contain the late onslaught.

Fazalhaq Farooqi was the pick of the Afghan bowlers, taking 0/69 in his seven overs, while AM Ghazanfar bagged 2 wickets for 35 runs. Nangeyalia Kharote also performed well with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 28 runs.

Afghanistan will need to chase down 253 runs in their innings to win the first match of the series. The match is expected to be a thrilling contest, with both sides boasting a strong batting lineup.

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