Bangladesh lose to Afghanistan in handicapped cricket

Dhaka, Sep 9 - Bangladesh lost a thriller against Afghanistan who picked up their first win of the ICRC Twenty20 Cricket Tournament for people with disabilities.

The contest went down to the last over after a brave half-century from Shahariar Shamim at BKSP ground No.3 here on Monday. The hosts put up 119/6 after electing to bat, a news website reported.

Shahriar, who remained unbeaten on 56, smashed five boundaries and two sixes in his 47-ball innings. Amin Uddin (26) and Apurbo Kumar Paul (19) gave good support to help Bangladesh to the modest score as all other batsmen failed to make two-digit scores.

Afghanistan's Abdullah and Mahmud Ullah grabbed two wickets each. They reached the target in 19.1 overs losing seven wickets. Mahmud (32) top-scored for Afghanistan while Sangar (19) remained unbeaten and Obaidullah contributed with 16 to help their team's cause.

Drupam Patranabish Tirtho returned 2/19.

The tournament, which is the first of its kind, has been arranged by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) along with the country's sports ministry, Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishthan and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

(IANS)