Asia Cup 2023: Bangladesh beat Afghanistan by 89-runs, keep Super Four hopes alive

• Miraz and Shanto’s 194-run stand sets highest partnership record in Asia Cup history.
• Taskin and Shoriful shine with 7 wickets, securing Bangladesh’s 89-run win over Afghanistan.

Bangladesh has emerged victorious against Afghanistan by securing a comprehensive 89-run win in their Group B encounter of the Asia Cup 2023 held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

After winning the toss, Bangladesh’s captain Shakib Al Hasan elected to bat first. The decision to send all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz to open the batting alongside Mohammad Naim paid off handsomely as the pair provided a solid foundation. Although Naim’s departure for 28 brought a momentary setback, it was the partnership between Miraz and Najmul Hossain Shanto that became the cornerstone of Bangladesh’s innings.

Miraz and Shanto combined forces with precision, displaying superb strokeplay and astute shot selection. Their magnificent 194-run partnership not only rebuilt the innings but also etched itself into the record books as the highest partnership for Bangladesh in the history of the Asia Cup. Both batsmen reached their second ODI centuries during this remarkable stand.

Miraz, in particular, played with authority, retiring hurt at 112 not out, while Shanto contributed a brilliant 104. Their partnership set the stage for an aggressive finish, with Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan contributing quick runs to propel Bangladesh to a formidable total of 334/5, marking the third-highest team total in Bangladesh’s ODI history.

Afghanistan’s chase got off to a shaky start as the aggressive Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dismissed early by Shoriful Islam. However, Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah steadied the ship and navigated Afghanistan through the powerplay. The Bangladeshi bowlers, led by Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam, maintained a disciplined line and length, making it challenging for Afghanistan to keep up with the mounting required run rate.

Despite contributions from Zadran, Shah, and Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan struggled to gain momentum against a disciplined Bangladeshi bowling attack. As the pressure mounted, wickets fell in quick succession, and Afghanistan’s chances of mounting a successful chase dwindled rapidly.

In the end, Afghanistan’s innings came to a close at 245, falling short by 89 runs. Taskin Ahmed’s brilliant spell of 4/44 and Shoriful Islam’s crucial 3/35 were instrumental in dismantling Afghanistan’s batting lineup.

Asia Cup Live Score

Brief Scores:

• Bangladesh: 334/5 (Mehidy Hasan Miraz 112, Najmul Shanto 104, Gulbadin Naib 1/58)
• Afghanistan (Ibrahim Zadran 75, Hashmatullah Shahidi 51, Taskin Ahmed 4/44).