Mehidy and Shanto Guide Bangladesh to a Record Total against Afghanistan

Riding on centuries by Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh posted a formidable total of 334 for five in their second Asia Cup match against Afghanistan in Lahore, Pakistan.

This now stands as the highest ODI score for Bangladesh against Afghanistan, surpassing the previous record of 306.

Bangladesh entered this match with the aim of securing a victory to keep their hopes alive in the Asia Cup, having suffered a defeat in the opening match against Sri Lanka.

Centuries from both batters mark the fifth occasion when two Bangladeshi players have achieved centuries in a single ODI innings.

Previously, Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim achieved this feat against Pakistan in 2015, followed by Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah against New Zealand in 2017, Soumya Sarkar and Imrul Kayes against Zimbabwe in 2018, and Litton Das and Tamim against Zimbabwe in 2020.

For both Mehidy and Najmul, this was their second ODI century. Mehidy reached his hundred in 115 balls and retired hurt on 112, while Najmul achieved it in 101 balls before falling run-out at 112.

Mehidy opened the innings, replacing Tanzid Hasan Tamim, who failed to score on his debut in the first match. In the absence of Tamim Iqbal and Litton Das, Bangladesh struggled to establish a reliable opening partnership, but Mehidy came as a relief.

Mehidy displayed composure right from the beginning of his innings, striking two sixes and six fours on his way to his second ODI century.

Before reaching the magical three-figure mark, he formed a significant partnership with Najmul Hossain Shanto after losing two quick wickets.

Bangladesh lost three wickets to run-outs.

Rashid Khan, who has enjoyed success against Bangladesh in the past, had a bad day at the office, conceding 66 runs but failing to take any wickets. The other premier Afghan spinner, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, also went for more than six runs per over but managed to pick up a wicket.

As the spinners struggled, Afghanistan leaked many runs in this match, making their chase a challenging endeavor.