‘Abb toh Bangladesh se darr lag rahi hai’ – Fans react as Mehidy Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto register centuries vs Afghanistan

The Asia Cup 2023 returned to action following the rain-drenched game between India and Pakistan on September 2. Sunday featured a big game in Lahore as Bangladesh and Afghanistan locked horns in what was Afghanistan’s tournament opener. Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first with a changed batting order. Surprisingly, Mehidy Hasan Miraz came out to open the batting alongside Mohammed Naim. The duo added 60 runs in 9.6 overs. Towhid Hridoy followed Naim very soon, registering a duck.

However, the show had only started for the ‘Men in Green’. Hasan was joined by the man in form, Najmul Hossain Shanto. The duo ended up stitching a 215-run partnership as Bangladesh made a meal out of Afghanistan’s bowling, thanking their lucky stars for their correct call of batting first.

Bangladesh set a target of 335 runs for Afghanistan

Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the first batter to leave the field. However, he was not dismissed. Rather, he had to retire hurt after an issue with his dominant wrist. He scored 112 off 119 before retiring. His knock featured seven fours and three maximums. At the same time, Shanto was dismissed in a comical run-out. He slipped while returning to his crease and ended up sacrificing his wicket. The man in form scored 104 off 105, including nine fours and two maximums.

Ultimately, Bangladesh scored 334 for the loss of five wickets in 50 overs. They were further helped by key contributions by Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan. While experienced horse Mushfiqur added 25 in 15 balls with the help of a four and a six, skipper Shakib added 32 in 18 balls, featuring four fours and a maximum. As far as the bowling from Afghanistan is concerned, there was not much to note. Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Gulbadin Naib returned with one wicket each. However, they could complete three run-outs which shows the Afghan agility on offer. Afghanistan, therefore, needs to chase down 335 in 300 balls to win their opening encounter in Asia Cup 2023.

Here’s how fans reacted:

https://twitter.com/elonifiedmusk/status/1698315577520173201

https://twitter.com/Den__gue/status/1698314814324715975