Bangladesh’s splendid run in the ICC World Cup 2019 continues as they register a convincing win over Afghanistan by 62 runs at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. Shakib Al Hasan once again stood out with both bat and ball to help Bangladesh script their third win of the tournament. Speaking at the end of the game, skipper Mashrafe Mortaza heaped praise on the veteran all-rounder.
Chasing 263 runs, Afghanistan got off to a steady start in pursuit adding 49 for the first wicket in 10.5 overs. It was Shakib Al Hasan who provided the first breakthrough dismissing Rahmat Shah. Mashrafe Mortaza deployed spin from both ends as Mosaddek Hossain removed Hasmatullah Shahidi before Shakib came back to dismiss the dangerous looking Afghan skipper Gulbadin Naib. Samiullah Shinwari played a good hand but lacked support from the other end as Shakib ran down their line up with three more scalps. Mustafizur Rahman provided support claiming two wickets to wrap-up the Afghanistan tail.
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Previously, Bangladesh posted 262 runs from their 50 overs with contributions from Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim. They revamped their top-order bringing Liton Das at the top, but hardly it mattered. Liton departed early, but two back to back partnerships and late carnage from Mosaddek Hossain helped the Tigers post a challenging total on the board.
Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Mashrafe Mortaza thanked the crowd and heaped praise on all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. He is currently the highest run-scorer with 476 runs leapfrogging David Warner and also has ten wickets to his name.
“The crowd has been really superb for us and the atmosphere has been amazing. He (Shakib) has been outstanding for us in the tournament, he keeps scoring runs in every game and also comes on to bowl whenever needed,” Mortaza said.
Furthermore, Mashrafe Mortaza praised his batters for contributing heavily. Bangladesh have scaled 300+ runs in the tournament for quite a few times which shows their dominance with the bat.
“That partnership between Mushy and Shakib was important, as the track wasn’t easy to bat on. Tamim batted well too and then the finish from Mahmudullah and Mosaddek was also crucial,” he added.
Mahmudullah likely to be fit: Mortaza
In conclusion, Mashrafe Mortaza sounded hopeful that senior cricketer Mahmudullah will be available for selection in the next game, which is almost a week away. The batsman suffered a calf injury during the game but is likely to regain fitness.
“Obviously, that’s a call for the physio to make (on Mahmudullah’s calf injury) but there’s a week left and I think he should be fine. If we play well, we should be able to do well (against India and Pakistan),” he concluded.