INDIA: Shakib Al Hasan and company crushed Afghanistan by six wickets on Saturday in Dharamsala, giving Bangladesh an excellent start to the 2023 ICC men’s World Cup. After being assigned the task to bat first, Afghanistan was dismissed for a mere 156 runs in 37.2 overs, which allowed Bangladesh to easily finish the run chase.
Bangladesh vs Afghanistan
Mehidy Hasan Miraz played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s victory, taking three wickets and scoring 57 runs. He was assisted by Afghan fielders who provided him with two early reprieves. Najibullah dropped him at the point region when he was on 16 and Mujeeb Ur Rahman dropped him at third-man while he was on 22.
Mehidy capitalized on the wasted opportunities to reach his half-century in 58 balls, scoring 97 runs for the third wicket with Najmul Hossain Shanto. He was ultimately dismissed by Rahmat Shah for 57(73) after a one-handed stunner, despite being stranded LBW on 50 where DRS rescued him.
However, Najmul came back unbeaten on 59(83), which enabled Bangladesh to win the match with 15.2 overs remaining.
Afghanistan started well with 47 runs from Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz for the opening partnership. Shakib’s dismissal of Ibrahim for 22(25) in the ninth over gave Bangladesh their first success. Shakib’s dismissal of Rahmat Shah for 18(25) reduced the run-rate, leading to further problems moving on.
Afghan Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi was out for 18(38) by Mehidy, and Gurbaz was removed for 47(62) in the following over by Mustafizur Rahman. Shakib dismissed Najibullah Zadran for 5(13), then Taskin Ahmed dismissed Mohammad Nabi for 6 off 12, resulting in two more wickets falling to Afghanistan in quick succession.
Azmatullah Omarzai’s late-game flurry of hits helped Afghanistan to a respectable 156, leaving the tail with little to no chance. Before being thrown out by Shoriful Islam, Azmatullah had scored 22 runs off of 20 balls.
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