Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Najmul Hossain Shanto, displaying their all-round prowess, both notched up centuries against Afghanistan. Following their outstanding batting performances, Bangladesh’s fast bowlers clinched eight crucial wickets to secure a convincing 89-run victory over Afghanistan in the Asia Cup held in Lahore on Sunday.
Miraz demonstrated his brilliance by creating a brilliant 112 from 119 balls, recording his highest ODI score. Shanto, similarly outstanding, contributed a staggering 104 from 105 deliveries, powering Bangladesh to a dominant total of 334-5. Their combined efforts set the stage for a dramatic contest as Afghanistan took the crease, but ultimately fell short, managing only 245 runs in 44.3 overs.
The trio of Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Hasan Mahmud produced a continuous flow of wickets, maintaining Bangladesh’s hopes of moving to the Super Four round. Looking ahead, Afghanistan faced a vital game with reigning champions Sri Lanka, the squad that had bested Bangladesh in their maiden encounter. The outcome of this clash in Lahore would determine the team’s progress to the next round.
Afghanistan’s pursuit of their highest-ever ODI target began on a gloomy note, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz falling prey to Islam’s perfect leg-before wicket delivery in only the second over, having scored just one run. Ibrahim Zadran, the top scorer with 75, alongside Rahmat Shah and later Hashmatullah Shahidi, created partnerships of 78 and 52 runs, respectively. However, they struggled to retain the momentum.
Mahmud’s superb diving catch, assisted by wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim, brought a stop to Zadran’s magnificent 74-ball innings, accentuated by ten boundaries and a six. Shahidi and Najibullah Zadran built a 62-run alliance for the fourth wicket, offering Afghanistan a ray of optimism, but their exits came in quick succession.
The dynamic combo of Miraz and Shanto had rescued Bangladesh from the early losses of Mohammad Naim and Towhid Hridoy with a resilient 194-run partnership off 190 balls. They picked apart Afghanistan’s spinners on a flat Gaddafi stadium surface, modifying Bangladesh’s plan following their initial defeat by pushing right-handed Miraz to open the innings. Miraz demonstrated his skill with seven boundaries until an unlucky injury to his left hand caused him to leave the game. Shanto, meanwhile, scorched his way to 104 with nine boundaries and two sixes before being run out in the 45th over.
Despite Afghanistan’s famed spin trio, only Mujeeb Ur Rahman managed to grab a wicket, while Rashid Khan went wicketless in his ten overs, allowing 66 runs.
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