ICC World Cup 2023: Mehidy credits B’desh skipper Shakib for exploits v Afghan

Mehidy Hasan

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan is happy with the overall performance of his side in the six-wicket win over Afghanistan in their World Cup opener and is delighted with the contributions of the all-rounders in the cause.

Opting to bowl, Bangladesh bowlers put up an impressive performance, bowling out Afghanistan for 156.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (57 off 73 balls) and Najmul Hossain Shanto (59 not out off 83 balls) then struck respective half-centuries to take Bangladesh over the line as they finished at 158 for four in 34.4 overs, winning with more than 15 overs to spare.

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Man-of-the-match Mehidy Hasan credited skipper Shakib for his exploits on Saturday.

"It's a great moment for me. I did a lot of hard work in the past. The team management deserves credit. I was a little bit cautious in my mind early on while bowling but the captain told me to bowl in the right areas and told me to be consistent and that gave me confidence, so credit goes to the captain," Hasan said.

Talking about his batting exploits, Hasan said: "The wicket was turning a little bit but I tried to stay [on the crease]. I always play at number eight, so it was a great opportunity to bat in the top order."

Shakib lauded the efforts of Mehidy, who scalped 3-25 with the ball and then made a valuable 57, and Shanto for his unbeaten 59 in Bangladesh's win.

"I am happy to contribute with my bowling, as I said all our five bowlers chipped in, spinners played a bigger role but it's a long tournament. I am sure fast bowlers will contribute more, Shakib said.

Brief scores
Afghanistan 156 all out in 37.2 overs (R Gurbaz 47; Mehidy H 3-25, Shakib H 3-30) lost to Bangladesh 158-4 in 34.4 overs (N Shanto 59', Mehidy H 57) by 6 wickets

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