Initially not part of the playing XI, Shoriful got his chance just moments before the toss and marked his return to ODI cricket after 16 months with an impressive performance.
The left-arm pacer finished with figures of 2 for 27 from his full quota in Mirpur.
Despite his efforts, Bangladesh fell short, suffering a 26-run defeat to the visitors. The hosts, led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, will now look to bounce back in the second ODI to keep the series alive.
Speaking ahead of the next match, Shoriful remained optimistic about Bangladesh’s chances.
“We still have two matches in hand. We can bounce back. Maybe we made mistakes in one game. They are a good team, but we are also a good side. We will come back in the next match. It’s a game of uncertainties, anything can happen,” he said.
The 24-year-old also revealed how late he was informed about his inclusion in the XI.
“I was told I would play just a couple of seconds before the toss. Rishad bhai told me I had the chance, so I prepared accordingly, measured my run-up and warmed up. Alhamdulillah, I got the opportunity,” he added.
