Spearheaded by the indomitable Rashid Khan, Afghanistan triumphed despite formidable odds, overcoming not just their opponents but years of adversity.

Bangladesh should have won the match when Nepal were reduced to 26 for 5 after seven overs courtesy the right arm outswing specialist Tanzim but Kushal Malla (27) and world record holder Dipendra Singh Airee (25) added 52 runs to raise visions of a first big win for the country against a major Test playing nation.