Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, Match 4, Asia Cup: Miraz, Shanto, Taskin star in Bangladesh's clinical win

Bangladesh managed to stay alive in the tournament after their magnificent performance in the fourth game of the Asia Cup 2023 against Afghanistan at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Batting first, after winning the toss, they posted 334 for five and then bundled out Afghanistan for 245 runs to win the game by 89 runs.

Bangladesh were off to a flying start as the new opening pair of Mohammad Naim (28:32b, 5x4) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz smashed 60 runs for the opening partnership. Afghanistan, however, pulled things back with two wickets and the match was back in the balance. Mehidy Hasan (112 retd hurt: 119b, 7x3, 3x6) and Najmul Hossain Shanto (104: 105b, 9x4, 2x6) displayed an exhibition of high-class batting and slammed brilliant centuries. They added 215 runs for the third wicket and took the game away from the opposition. Mushfiqur Rahim (25:15b, 1x6, 1x4) along with captain Shakib Al Hasan (32 not out: 18b, 4x4, 1x6) played vital knocks at the end that powered Bangladesh to a total of 334 for five. For Afghanistan, Gulbadin Naib was the pick of the bowlers with his figures of one for 58.

Chasing the target, Afghanistan were jolted earlier with the blow of Rahmanullah Gurbaz early. Ibrahim Zadran (75:74b, 10x4, 1x4) along with Rahmat Shah (33: 57b, 5x4) stitched 78 runs for the second wicket to steady the innings. However they both lost their wickets in quick succession and their team came under pressure. Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi (51: 60b, 6x4) smashed a vital half-century but after that wickets fell like a pack of cards. Afghanistan was reduced from 193 for four to 221 for eight within the span of four overs. Rashid Khan (24:15b, 3x4, 1x6) and Mujeeb ur Rahman struck some blows in end but Bangladesh wrapped up the innings for 245 runs. They won the game by 89 runs to keep themselves alive in the tournament.

Match Summary
Bangladesh: 334-5 (50)
Fall of wickets: 1-60 (Mohammad Naim-9.6 ov), 2-63 (Towhid Hridoy-10.3 ov), 2-257* (Mehidy Hasan Miraz-retired hurt), 3-278 (Najmul Hossain Shanto-44.3 ov), 4-294 (Mushfiqur Rahim-46.3 ov), 5-324 (Shamim Hossain-48.6 ov)

Afghanistan: 245 (44.3)
Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Rahmanullah Gurbaz-1.4 ov), 2-79 (Rahmat Shah-17.5 ov), 3-131 (Ibrahim Zadran-27.3 ov), 4-193 (Najibullah Zadran-36.1 ov), 5-196 (Hashmatullah Shahidi-37.2 ov), 6-212 (Gulbadin Naib-39.6 ov), 7-214 (Mohammad Nabi-40.2 ov), 8-221 (Karim Janat-41.4 ov), 9-244 (Mujeeb Ur Rahman-44.1 ov), 10-245 (Rashid Khan-44.3 ov)

SCORECARD  

Playing XI
Bangladesh: Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan (captain), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim (wicket-keeper), Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicket-keeper), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Match Details
Toss: Bangladesh, elected to bat
Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Start time: 0930 hrs GMT
Match officials: Asif Yaqoob, Langton Rusere (On-field Umpires); Chris Gaffaney (TV Umpire); Masudur Rahman (Reserve Umpire); David Boon  (Match-referee)

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