Bangladesh made a bold statement that they intend to play in the main part of the competition they are hosting by thrashing Afghanistan in the World Twenty20 opener.
The Tigers, who lost to today’s opponents in this month’s Asia Cup, Afghanistan’s first defeat of a full-member nation, are one of eight teams battling it out for two places in the tournament proper, which starts on Saturday.
And Mushfiqur Rahim’s side blew Afghanistan away in Mirpur, skittling them for 72 in 17.1 overs after winning the toss.
Mohammad Shahzad hold out to extra-cover from the game’s first delivery and, although Gulbadin Naib cleared long-on for a six in the next over, Bangladesh bowled 24 dot balls in the powerplay.
Shakib Al Hasan struck twice in two balls during the last over of restrictions, initially ousting Naib for 21, and Abdur Razzak also gained two scalps as Bangladesh continued to chip away.
Shakib wrapped up the innings for outstanding figures of 3-8 as extras was one of just four double-figure contributors for Afghanistan.
In the reply Tamim Iqbal being dropped on nine was not too costly when Samiullah Shenwari trapped him in front for 21.
However, Anamul Haque completed a nine-wicket win with eight overs unused via his third six, accompanied by four fours. He was unbeaten on 44 while Shakib had 10.