Taskin Ahmed. (Photo Source: Twitter)
In a crucial match that Bangladesh had to win, Shakib Al Hasan won the toss and elected to bat first against Afghanistan in the fourth match of the Asia Cup 2023.
Bangladesh got off to a quick start but also lost two early wickets. In the 11th over, they were 63 for two as opener Mohammad Naim and number three batter Towhid Hridoy were back in the pavilion. However, Mehidy Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto formed a remarkable 194-run partnership, with both players scoring brilliant centuries.
Mehidy scored 112 runs off 119 balls, including seven fours and three sixes, while Shanto scored 104 off 105 deliveries, hitting nine fours and two sixes. Towards the end of the innings, Shakib Al Hasan and Shamim Hossain played some aggressive shots to help Bangladesh reach 334 runs in their allotted 50 overs.
In pursuit of the target, Afghanistan had a poor start as their key batter, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, was dismissed for just one run trapped LBW by Shoriful Islam. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah then formed a partnership, but the required run rate kept increasing as the batters struggled to score quickly.
Ultimately, Afghanistan lost wickets in quick succession during the middle overs and were bowled out in the 45th over, falling short by 89 runs. Ibrahim Zadran top-scored with 75 runs, while captain Hashmatullah Shahidi contributed 51 runs. However, the rest of the Afghan batters failed to provide much resistance.
Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam were the standout performers with the ball, taking four and three wickets, respectively. With this victory, Bangladesh kept their hopes alive in the competition, while Afghanistan will face Sri Lanka on September 5 in a match that will determine a spot in the Super Four stage.
Here is how Twitter reacted to Bangladesh’s win:
Bangladesh secure their first win of the Super 11 #AsiaCup2023 🏏#BANvAFG
— Usman Orakzai (@usmanorakzai30) September 3, 2023
Finally victory.#BANvAFG pic.twitter.com/bFcZ3lyERJ
— Jubayer Ahmed (@Jubayer333ahmed) September 3, 2023
#BANvAFG
Congratulations Bangladesh 😊🎉🎊🏏
— farhana1061 (@farhana10648981) September 3, 2023
2nd ODI hundred for both Mehidy and Shanto. 👏👏 #AFGvBAN #AsiaCup
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) September 3, 2023
Master stroke by Bangladesh to send Mehdi Hasan up the order. He is a serious talent! Bats like this & also a match winner with the ball! 🙏🙏#AsiaCup
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) September 3, 2023
Quality knocks from Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shanto…300+ will take some chasing even on this road at Lahore. #AsiaCup #BANvAFG
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 3, 2023
Appreciation Tweet for Lahore Crowd: They came out in Numbers even when Pakistan wasn’t Playing💯♥️.#BANvAFG #AFGvBAN #AsiaCup23 #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/9aaLbKS1gA
— Shaharyar Ejaz 🏏 (@SharyOfficial) September 3, 2023
WHAT A CATCH FROM MUSHFIQUR RAHIM🔥💯.#BANvAFG #AFGvsBAN #AsiaCup23 #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/nxFasO6atK
— Shaharyar Ejaz 🏏 (@SharyOfficial) September 3, 2023
Everyone now saying that he will be next Babar Azam💯❤️. We really hope that he get successful in his career. Wishing you luck young Boy.#BabarAzam #BANvAFG pic.twitter.com/yD73sogqcy
— King Babar Azam Army (@babarazamking_) September 3, 2023