'Batting exhibition' - Twitter erupts as Afghanistan dance to Shanto, Mehidy's tune in Lahore

Afghanistan need 335 runs to win the match.

By Koustav Sengupta

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3 Min Read

Najmul Hossain Shanto
info
Najmul Hossain Shanto. (Photo Source: Twitter)

After losing to Sri Lanka in their opening game of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023, Bangladesh were in a very tight spot and needed something special against Afghanistan in order to seal their spot for the Super Four. Batting first at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, the goal was to start well, and that’s exactly what the Shakib Al Hasan-led team did.

Mohammad Naim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz gave a perfect start, but the former particularly couldn’t capitalise as he got out, scoring 28 runs. Soon after that, Towhid Hridoy walked back to the pavilion, and hence, the road to Super Four got a bit difficult. However, Miraz and Najmul Hossain Shanto soaked in all the pressure and played some sensational cricket to help Bangladesh post 334 runs in 50 overs. 

Both these cricketers took on the Afghan bowlers as skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi looked clueless with the bowling changes. Rashid Khan, one of their most dependable cricketers, went for a lot of runs, and overall, none of their plans were properly executed. On the other hand, Mehidy Hasan scored 112 runs and retired hurt, while Shanto hit 104 runs off 105 deliveries. Later on, Mushfiqur Rahim tried to accelerate and hit 25 runs off just 15 deliveries. Later on, Shakib scored a quick-fire 32*.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan recently lost 3-0 to Pakistan and were expected to bounce back in the Asia Cup 2023. However, they failed to perform as per potential with the ball, and that’s a matter of concern at the moment. If the team fails to chase the total, their match against Sri Lanka will be a do-or-die affair. On the other hand, if Bangladesh bowlers fail to defend the total, they will be eliminated from the competition.

In the absence of two star batters, Litton Das and Tamim Iqbal, there was immense pressure on Bangladesh, but Mehidy and Shanto changed the complexion of the game and will aim to keep up with it if Bangladesh make it to the next round of the competition.

Here's how Twitter reacted:

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Asia Cup 2023AfghanistanBangladeshMehidy Hasan MirazNazmul Hossain Shanto