Bangladesh and Afghanistan faced off against each other in Lahore. The Bangla Tigers won the toss and chose to bat. It was a must-win game for them after their 5-wicket loss to Sri Lanka they got off to a wonderful start as Mohammad Naim hit a quickfire 28 off 32 balls with five fours. He was taken off by Mujeeb Ur Rahaman. Towhid Hirdoy the new sensation fell for a two-ball duck as he was caught by Ibrahim Zadaran off Gulbadin Naib. at 63-2, the game still hung in the balance. But the young guns of Bangladesh stepped up and took the Afghan bowlers to the cleaners.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz struck gold as he made a well-orchestrated 112 off 119 balls with seven fours and three sixes. It was a wonderful innings from the former Bangladesh U19 skipper. He received great support from Najmul Hossain Shanto. The left-hander continued his good form after he struck 89 in the last game against Sri Lanka. The 25-year-old went a step further and, made a cracking 104 off 105 balls with nine fours and two sixes. The Afghan bowlers did not know what hit them.
Shakib Al Hasan scored a quickfire 32 off 18 balls for Bangladesh
Down the order for Bangladesh, there were quick cameos from Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan, which gave them the perfect finish to the innings. Rahim hit 25 off 15 balls with one four and one six. Captain Shakib struck a wonderful 32 off 18 balls with four fours and one six. This allowed the Bangla Tigers to get to 334-5 in their 50 overs. Bangladesh scored their runs at a great clip as they had a run rate of 6.68 in their innings.
For Afghanistan, there was nothing much to write about the bowling as Mujeeb and Gulbadin picked up a wicket in their respective bowling spells. It was a great reply from Bangladesh after they lost to the Islanders in their first game. The Bangladesh coach said that he lamented over the absence of key players. But the youngsters from the Bangla Tigers have stepped in and filled the void superbly.
Let us take a look at the reactions on Twitter:
Another day, another good knock from Najmul Hossain Shanto. Brilliant consistency from him. #BANvsAFG
— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) September 3, 2023
Its not a One off from Mehidi Hasan Miraj
— Naveen Yellamaddi (@NYellamaddi) September 3, 2023
He can handle pressure very well than most Bangladeshi Batsmen. He will be the man to win them Big matches.#BANvsAFG
Mehidy Hasan Miraz becomes the first bangladeshi opener to score an ODI century in 17 months.#AsiaCup2023 #BANvsAFG pic.twitter.com/WiyP3J5cHO
— Vikas Bishnoi (@Vikas___Bishnoi) September 3, 2023
Our boys played so well! Just came back home to see this! 🥹#BANvsAFG pic.twitter.com/787uhGtnXX
— sAMiha | AashMaan 🫶🏻 (@samihaibnet) September 3, 2023
Pakistani's reaction on bangladesh's performance😂#BANvsAFG pic.twitter.com/uFVattKBtF
— Hassaan (@hassaan_says_) September 3, 2023
Shanto Didn't Forget this!! 🥵🔥 #BANvsAFG #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/vs5ImmLtu0
— afrin♡︎ (@afrin29_) September 3, 2023
Really good Hundred 🤩💥❤️
— Aneeta Sharma🥀🇮🇳🥀 (@AneetaSharma56) September 3, 2023
Miraz Super All rounder 💥🔥 🔥#BANvsAFG pic.twitter.com/v5WZKkktqO
Rashid Khan Today against Bangladesh 😅 #BANvsAFG pic.twitter.com/76DDaGUuNf
— Memes Of Arbaz (@memesofarbaz) September 3, 2023
- 2498 runs.
— Sporti (@sportx07) September 3, 2023
- 252 wickets.
- 3 hundreds.
- 9 five wicket hauls.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz, just 25-year-old, leading into greatness in Bangladesh cricket#AsiaCup2023 #BANvsAFG pic.twitter.com/LF9zNXhz0I
Mehndy hasan makes his hundred against a decent bowling like Afghans.
— yadavashish // CSK💛 (@InUrDreaMsdian) September 3, 2023
Bangladesh inching towards a great total. #AsiaCup2023 #AFGvBAN #BANvsAFG pic.twitter.com/s5RUvKz2FA