Asia Cup 2023: Top 5 batting performances in the tournament

3. Najmul Hossain Shanto (BAN)- 89 vs SL

Another knock that deserved a century came from Najmul Hossain Shanto of Bangladesh against Sri Lanka in a Group B game at the Pallekele Stadium, in Kandy. This match was the second match of the group stage and both the teams were looking for a win. Bangladesh chose to bat first after winning the toss but the decision backfired.

Sri Lanka pacers demolished the top order as Bangladesh reeled at 141/6 with Shakib Al Hasan making 5, Tanzid Hasan making 0, and Mushfiqur Rahim making 13 runs. However, Najmul Hossain Shanto showed great valour and courage to face the Lankan spinners and pacers and continued to make his runs.

Shanto crafted 89 in 122 balls with 7 fours and he built small partnerships with lower order to take Bangladesh to 164. He deserved a century but was deceived by Maheesh Theekshana in death overs. It was a knock of maturity and while he did score a century in the tournament, Shanto couldn’t do much as he injured himself against Pakistan in the Super 4s stage and couldn’t continue.