Hard work pays off for Shakib and Co.
Shakib Al Hasan was relentless in his bowling, AFP
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After many outside controversies in Bangladesh cricket before the World Cup, The Tigers impressed on the field as Shakib al Hasan and Co. outplayed Afghanistan in their World Cup’s clash on Saturday.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz starred with both bat and ball as Bangladesh launched their World Cup campaign with a dominant six-wicket win.
The off-spinner took 3-25 as Afghanistan were bowled out for just 156. Mehidy then made 57 after being dropped twice, with Najmul Hossain Shanto finishing on 59 not out as Bangladesh won with more than 15 overs to spare.
Shakib said after the game he made sure that they don’t want to make any excuse that the ground isn't ideal or anything and the Tigers have been training really hard in the last few days.
“We didn't get the start we wanted, everyone believed once we get a wicket, we could get more (quickly). It wasn't easy but I am very happy the way we bowled. We have been training really hard in the last few days and we didn't want to make any excuse that the ground isn't ideal and we talked about that in the dressing room (that we have to adjust and play well despite the conditions),” said Shakib.
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Shakib inflicted more World Cup damage on Afghanistan, the left-arm spinner taking 3-30 while his bowling changes yielded wickets.
“I am happy to contribute with my bowling, as I said all our five bowlers chipped in, they contributed, spinners played a bigger role but it's a long tournament, I am sure fast bowlers will contribute more. Mehidy, Shanto...these are our inform players; they are always confident and want to do well for the team,” he added.
Shakib, who in the corresponding World Cup fixture four years ago took 5-29 in Bangladesh's 62-run win.
Afghanistan, relatively well-placed at 47-1 and 112-2 after being sent into bat by Shakib, lost their last eight wickets for 44 runs.
Several Afghanistan batsmen gave their wickets away, with only opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz (47) offering much resistance.
“We had a good start but at the middle after fall of first wicket, we had bad shot selection but their bowlers bowled very tight. I think we fought well (in the field) but the score wasn't enough. Still we had a good fight and we look forward to our upcoming games. We should learn from our mistakes and we have to (focus) on the England game.” Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi said.
