All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz scored a half-century and took three wickets as Bangladesh kicked off their Cricket World Cup campaign with a six-wicket win over Afghanistan in Dharamshala.
After winning the toss and electing to field, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan put his team in control by claiming three key wickets, while Mehidy (3-25) wiped the tail. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the top scorer for Afghanistan with 47.
Mehidy then played an important role in Bangladesh’s response with 57 off 73 balls as the 2015 quarter-finalists chased down their target of 157 in 34.4 overs.
“I was a little cautious at first when I was playing but the captain told me to play in the right areas and told me to be consistent and that gave me confidence,” said player of the match Mehidy .
“I always play at number eight, so it was a great opportunity to bat in the top order. I’m always hungry, so it’s definitely a big time for me to play.”
Bangladesh’s chase got off to a rocky start, with both openers departing early to leave them on 27-2.
Mehidy’s arrival steadied the ship, but the 25-year-old enjoyed a bit of fortune when he was dropped by Najibullah Zadran on the 16th.
Mehidy and Najmul Hossain Shanto (59 not out) combined for 97, and although Rahmat Shah took a spectacular one-handed catch to end Mehidy’s knock, the damage was done as Bangladesh cruised to victory .
Earlier on Saturday, Afghanistan got off to a good start as Gurbaz established fleeting positions with Ibrahim Zadran (22) and Rahmat (18), but Shakib tempted Ibrahim and Rahmat with risky shots and some wayward top edges ended the partnerships just when they began to look dangerous.
Despite losing two wickets, Afghanistan were in a strong position at 112-2 after 24 overs, but their hopes of building on that platform suffered a devastating blow when Hashmatullah Shahidi and Gurbaz were dismissed in quick succession.
This triggered a middle-order collapse and Afghanistan lost their remaining six wickets for just 44 more runs to finish on 156.
Afghanistan suffered from poor shot selection, leading to the loss of wickets in situations where they might otherwise have posted a competitive total.
Shakib said: “I am happy to contribute with my bowling, like I said, our five bowlers contributed, they contributed, the spinners played a bigger role but it is a long tournament, I am sure that fast bowlers will contribute more.
“Mehidy, Shanto, they are our in-form players. They are always confident and want to do well for the team.”
The match was important for both teams as they are the two lowest ranked teams in the tournament after the Netherlands. Bangladesh will be happy with victory and two crucial points.
Bangladesh will face defending champions England in Dharamsala on Tuesday, while Afghanistan, seeking their first World Cup victory since 2015, will face hosts India in New Delhi a day later.
Watch England v Bangladesh in the Cricket World Cup on Tuesday October 10, live on Sky Sports.