Bangladesh have bounced back in Asia Cup 2023 with a big win over Afghanistan in their final Group B match at the Pallekelle International Cricket Stadium today (September 3).

Mehidy and Shanto helped the Tigers reach the Super Fours after beating Afghanistan by 89 runs.

Afghanistan lost quick wickets after fifties from Ibrahim Zadran and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi with Bangladesh taking control of the match.

Afghanistan were jolted early by Shoriful Islam who trapped Rahmanullah Gurbaz LBW on 1. The pair of Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah helped them recover from the early blow with a solid partnership.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Najmul Hussain Shanto struck centuries and stitched a massive century stand to put Bangladesh in control. They eventually finished with 334/5 in 50 overs.

Rashid Khan is the last man to be dismissed as he gets a top-edge to be caught at mid-off for 24. End of Afghanistan’s innings on 245 in 44.3 overs. 

Taskin Ahmed took four wickets, while Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud scalped three and one respectively to help bundle out Afghanistan for 245 after the Tigers posted 334 for five. 

Opener Ibrahim Zadran and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi notched up fifties but the target appeared too steep for Shahidi's side.

Zadran scored a 74-ball 75 and Shahidi managed a 60-ball 51.

BDST: 2319 HRS, SEP 03, 2023

MSK/SMS