Bangladesh made an impressive start to their 2023 ICC Men’s World Cup campaign with a convincing six-wicket win over Afghanistan in Dharamsala. Afghanistan, opting to bat first, struggled to find their rhythm and were dismissed for a modest 156 runs in 37.2 overs.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the standout performer for Bangladesh, contributing significantly with both bat and ball. He took three crucial wickets and anchored the run chase with a composed 57 runs from 73 deliveries, benefiting from two dropped catches by Afghanistan fielders. His partnership of 97 runs with Najmul Hossain Shanto, who finished unbeaten on 59 from 83 balls, proved pivotal in securing the victory.
Afghanistan began reasonably well, with Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz adding 47 runs for the opening wicket. However, Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan initiated the breakthrough, and Afghanistan’s scoring rate gradually declined. Mehidy Hasan’s dismissal of skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi added to their struggles. Despite their efforts, Afghanistan could only muster 156 runs.
In the end, Bangladesh comfortably chased down the target with 15.2 overs to spare, establishing themselves as strong contenders in the tournament.