Bangladesh showcased exceptional skills in all aspects of the game, securing a convincing win against Afghanistan in ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 (CWC23) in Dharamsala.
Their outstanding performance with the ball restricted Afghanistan to a mere 156 runs, a target that Shakib Al Hasan’s side chased down comfortably in the 35th over.
Despite an initial struggle in their batting innings, Bangladesh managed to regain control of the game against Afghanistan in Dharamsala, capitalizing on some fielding errors made by the Afghan team.
The Bangladesh bowlers displayed impeccable form against Afghanistan, dismissing their Asian rivals for just 156. Shakib Al Hasan (3/30), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (3/25), and Shoriful Islam (2/34) were the standout performers with the ball.
Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the top scorer for Afghanistan with 47 runs, but he received minimal support from his teammates.
While defending a modest target of 157, Afghanistan got off to a near-perfect start thanks to some sharp fielding. A direct hit from Najibullah Zadran saw Tanzid Hasan (5) fall short of his crease in the fifth over, and a couple of overs later, Fazalhaq Farooqi dismissed Litton Das.
Afghanistan had a missed opportunity when Mehidy Hasan Miraz was dropped off Farooqi’s bowling, and this, coupled with another dropped catch in the 12th over, allowed Mehidy to find his rhythm and propel the Bangladesh innings forward.
Mehidy struck four boundaries out of seven for his side by the 20-over mark. He forged a crucial 97-run partnership for the third wicket with Najmul Hossain Shanto, with his innings of 57 coming to an end due to a spectacular one-handed catch by Rahmat Shah at mid-off.
However, by this stage, Bangladesh had already established a commanding position in the game. Shanto reached his half-century in the 34th over, and Bangladesh sealed the victory in the 35th over.
Afghanistan’s openers made a strong start, reaching 47 without loss before Ibrahim Zadran (22) was caught off the bowling of Shakib while attempting a mis-timed sweep.
At the end of the Powerplay, Afghanistan was well-placed at 50/1, with Gurbaz playing a composed innings.
Rahmat Shah (18) partnered with Gurbaz, taking the score to 83 before Shakib struck again with the first ball after the drinks break.
Afghanistan seemed to be adopting a patient approach until Bangladesh struck back, dismissing Hashmatullah Shahidi (18) and then claiming the crucial wicket of Gurbaz (47), both with the score at 112.
The slide for Afghanistan continued, with Shakib taking a wicket in the 29th over to clean up Najibullah Zadran. In the very next over, aggressive all-rounder Mohammed Nabi was bowled by Taskin Ahmed.
Both Bangladesh and Afghanistan made their debut appearances at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, and they both aimed to secure a victory at the picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, setting their sights on a historic first-ever semi-final berth.
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