| ICC Males’s World Cup 2023, Dharamsala |
| Afghanistan 156 (37.2 overs): Gurbaz 47 (62); Mehidy 3-25, Shakib 3-30 |
| Bangladesh 158-4 (34.4 overs): Shanto 59* (83), Mehidy 57 (73) |
| Bangladesh received by six wickets |
| Scorecard. Desk |
Bangladesh cruised to a six-wicket victory over Afghanistan to start their World Cup marketing campaign in Dharamsala.
Afghanistan batted first on a very good pitch however squandered the chance as they had been bowled out in a haze of unfastened strokes for 156 in 37.2 overs.
The Tigers had been 27-2 in reply, however a stand of 97 between Mehidy Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto helped them attain their goal with 15.2 overs to spare.
Bangladesh subsequent meet England on the similar venue on Tuesday (06:00 BST).
Afghanistan, who’ve now misplaced 13 consecutive World Cup matches relationship again to 2015, play hosts India in Delhi on Wednesday.
Shakib units Tigers up and working
This promised to be an intriguing affair, a gathering of two of the lower-ranked groups within the match, each with hopes of an out of doors run on the semi-finals.
On the picturesque Dharamsala floor, surrounded by the Himalayan mountains, Bangladesh comfortably overcame their opponents.
Not solely did they waste a very good begin with the bat, Afghanistan additionally missed probabilities within the discipline, leaving a lot for his or her coach, former England batter Jonathan Trott, to enhance on.
From 47-0 and 83-1, Afghanistan would go on to lose their final eight wickets for 44 runs. The preliminary instigator of their downfall was 36-year-old Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan, showing in his fifth World Cup.
The left-arm spinner bowled an immaculate line for his 3-30, supported by Mehidy, whose positive all-round efficiency additionally included 3-25 along with his off-breaks.
Left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman claimed the important thing scalp of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who made 47 earlier than turning into one among an extended listing of Afghan batters who wasted their wicket.
Defending a modest goal, Afghanistan regarded to have an opportunity when Tanzid Hassan was run out by Najibullah Zadran’s direct hit and Liton Das performed on off Fazalhaq Farooqi.
However Najibullah put down a easy likelihood at level when Mehidy had solely 16, with the identical batter additionally surviving a poor effort by Mujeeb-ur-Rehman at third man when he had 23.
Shanto may even have been run out on 16, however Rashid Khan was too informal along with his try to take the bails on the non-striker’s finish.
Each reprieved, Mehidy and Shanto compiled the decisive partnership, even within the face of a threatening spell from star leg-spinner Rashid.
Mehidy couldn’t see the job by, falling for 57 to a spectacular one-handed catch by Rahmat Shah, excessive above his head at mid-off from the tempo of Naveen-ul-Haq.
Shakib made a breezy 14 earlier than holing out to deep sq. leg, leaving Shanto, unbeaten on 59, to hit the profitable runs.
On prime of the outcome, of curiosity to England would be the poor nature of the Dharamsala outfield. The delicate, sandy floor won’t be the place to danger Ben Stokes’ injured hip.
‘We must always study from our errors’ – response
Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan: “It wasn’t straightforward however I’m very proud of the way in which we bowled.
“All 5 bowlers chipped in, the spinners performed a much bigger position but it surely’s an extended match, I’m certain the quick bowlers will contribute extra.”
Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi: “We had a very good begin however, after the autumn of the primary wicket, we had unhealthy shot choice however their bowlers bowled very tight.
“We sit up for our upcoming video games. We must always study from our errors.”