Bangladesh's Najmul Hossain Shanto celebrates after scoring century during the Asia Cup cricket match between Bangladesh and Afghanistan in Lahore, Pakistan, Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023. (AP) While the two wickets used for the Asia Cup games in Sri Lanka produced bowling riches, Lahore kept its tournament debut in line with Multan – with another high-score yielding first innings as Bangladesh posted against Afghanistan.
Despite losing two wickets in quick succession – at the end of the powerplay and just after – centuries from Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Najmul Hossain Shanto rode Bangladesh to 334/5 in their second Group B game in the tournament.
Centuries by Shanto and Miraz have powered Bangladesh to a formidable total of 332 in their must-win fixture!
Can Afghanistan come out all guns blazing and chase down this mammoth total? Or will Bangladesh secure their first win? 🤯#AsiaCup2023 #BANvAFG pic.twitter.com/LASXIegmLw
— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) September 3, 2023
Adding 194 runs for the third wicket, the duo took on Afghanistan’s bowlers to the cleaners with their respective second tons in the 50-over format, bagging a total of 16 fours and five sixes between them.
It was a partnership that eventually came to an end as Miraz was pulled off and deemed retired hurt following what seemed like a cramp.
Shanto on the other hand was run out swiftly after reaching the triple figure score. “We weren’t worried about the two wickets, we played according to the situation and the merit of the ball,” he’d tell the broadcasters at the innings break. “Miraz showed his character and batted really well.”
Cameos from Shakib Al Hasan (32* off 18) and Mushfiqur Rahim (25 off 15) would further help propel the total beyond the 300 mark.
For Afghanistan’s bowlers, it was a forgettable day at the office with only Gulbadin Naik and Mujeeb Ur Rahman nabbing wickets as the likes of Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Mohammad Nabi failed to strike on a batting friendly surface.
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