The partnership between Mehidy and Shanto was the cornerstone of Bangladesh’s innings in the match against Afghanistan. They combined brilliantly laid the foundation for a commanding total of 334/5 in their allotted 50 overs.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s heroics
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Mehidy Hasan Miraz played a pivotal role in stabilizing the Bangladesh innings after the departure of Mohammad Naim and Towhid Hridoy in subsequent overs after a decent start. Promoted to open the innings, the ever-reliable all-rounder Mehidy demonstrated impeccable timing and skill, crafting a magnificent innings of 112 runs from 119 balls. His innings was a mix of elegant strokes and powerful hits, with seven fours and three sixes. However, Mehidy had to retire hurt in the 43rd over due to an issue with his left hand, which cramped up.
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Najmul Hossain Shanto’s consistency
Joining Mehidy in the spotlight was the star Bangladesh batter, Shanto. The middle-order batter played a breathtaking knock of 104 runs off just 105 deliveries, leaving the cricketing world in awe.
It is worth mentioning that Shanto has been a revelation in the Asia Cup 2023, consistently delivering impressive performances with the bat. He was also the top-scorer for his team in the opening match against Sri Lanka, where he fell just short of a century, scoring 89 runs off 122 balls.
Following Bangladesh’s first innings against Afghanistan, the Mehidy-Shanto batting duo’s exploit was widely appreciated by many across the world.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
2nd ODI hundred for both Mehidy and Shanto.#AFGvBAN #AsiaCup
— Ashwin(@ashwinravi99) September 3, 2023
A classic century partnership between #NajmulHossainShanto & #MehidyHasanMiraz crafted with patience and precision – 100 runs off 117 balls!
#AsiaCup23#BCB | #Cricket | #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/qu7jBkycq4
— MASHRAFE BIN MORTAZA⏺ (@mashrafebd) September 3, 2023
Centurions Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Najmul Hossain Shanto have put on a brilliant batting exhibition at Gaddafi Stadium
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 3, 2023
Congratulations Najmul Hossain Shanto for your second ODI
— Anuradha Tanwar (@anuradhatanwar1) September 3, 2023
Mehidy Hasan Miraz returned the favor once again by opening the Asia Cup. He scored his second ODI century against Afghanistan. Miraz once again proved his ability with the bat. Congratulations man.#asiacup #mehidyhasanmiraz #Cricket #bcb pic.twitter.com/awrWCZx1gK
— Md Ifran Ali Bijoy(@IfranAliBijoy20) September 3, 2023
BANGLADESH – 334 RUNS.
Perfecto finish. The foundation was led by Shanto and Mehidy who scored brilliant hundreds, then followed by Mushfiqur, Shakib & Shamim’s superb cameos.#AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/Ekh5PbWhcv
— Saif Ahmed
Najmul Hossain Shanto is having a great time with the bat in the year 2023. Two ODI centuries both came this year. He picked up his second ODI century in the Asia Cup. He is the highest run scorer in the Asia Cup so far. Congratulations man.#asiacup #najmulhossainshanto pic.twitter.com/swysR8SEN9
— Md Ifran Ali Bijoy
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