Shanto takes blame for 1st ODI defeat to Afghans

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto took responsibility for a frustrating defeat to Afghanistan in the first of the three-match ODI series, saying that his dismissal led to a sensational meltdown that caused the side's 92-run defeat.

After wrapping up Afghanistan for 235, Bangladesh looked destined for a facile victory with Shanto leading the way.

But, he threw away his wicket on 47, trying a needless paddle sweep against Mohammad Nabi. After his dismissal, Bangladesh lost the last seven wickets for 11 runs to be all out for 143 in 34.3 overs.

"I think my wicket made the difference. I was the set batter and needed to bat longer," Shanto said after the match. "We didn't need to attack more. We should have been restrained."

An 18-year-old offspinner Mohammad Ghazanfar wreaked havoc on Bangladesh, claiming 6-26. Bangladesh indeed failed to read his mystery spin, a thing that Shanto had no reservation to admit.

"Afghanistan always have mystery spinners and he bowled well," he said, adding that in some cases, they attacked needlessly.

While the batting was as usual abysmal, Bangladesh couldn't do well in bowling either. After reducing Afghanistan to 71-5, they bowled waywardly to allow them to recover from the shaky start and compiled 235 before being dismissed.

Mohammad Nabi struck 79 ball-84 while skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi scored 52.

"We started well in the first 15-20 overs. But we didn't execute our plans in the middle overs. Nabi batted brilliantly," Shanto remarked.

"The wicket had enough help for the bowlers. I think Shahidi and Nabi batted really well."

Shanto, however, vowed to come back strongly in the second match, which is on Saturday.

"The preparation was brilliant but today was not our day and hopefully we can turn it around."