ABU DHABI: Rashid Khan celebrated his 20th birthday in style by producing a stunning all-round display as Afghanistan beat Bangladesh by 136 runs in an Asia Cup match here on Thursday.
Rashid smashed an unbeaten 57 off just 32 balls in a superb counter-attacking batting display to take Afghanistan to a competitive 255 for 7 after opting to bat.
Later, he took two crucial wickets, that of Shakib Al Hasan (32) and Mahmudullah (27) with two gems of deliveries to break the backbone of their run chase. Bangladesh eventually were all out for just 119 in 42.1 overs.
Afghanistan will enter the Super Four stage with confidence after having won both their group matches. They play Pakistan in the same venue on Friday.
BRIEF SCORES
Afghanistan: 255 for seven in 50 overs (Hashmatullah Shahidi 58, Rashid Khan 57 not out, Gulbadin Naib 42 not out; Shakib Al Hasan 4/42).
Bangladesh: 119 all out in 42.1 overs (Shakib Al Hasan 32; Rashid Khan 2/13).