After winning the toss and electing to bat first at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Bangladesh managed to post 334/5. Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mehidy Hasan Miraz slammed hundreds for the Bangla Tigers and added a 194-run partnership for the third wicket after the team had lost two wickets in quick succession. While Mohammad Naim was bowled by Mujeeb Ur Rahman and was the first one to depart, falling for 28, Towhid Hridoy departed for a duck in the very next over from Gulbadin Naib, leaving Bangladesh 63/2.
It was here that the two centurions joined hands and stitched this innings-reviving partnership. While Shanto scored 104 off 105, Miraz made 112 off 119 before being retired hurt which brought an end to their partnership. Shanto, meanwhile, was run out, implying Afghanistan bowlers did not really find an answer to their brilliance on the day.
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In the end, it was a healthy cameo from Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan worth 32* off 18 that helped the side add some invaluable runs at the death overs and get them well past the 300-run mark. Mushfiqur Rahim added 25 off 15 and became a victim of a run out. Apart from Shanto and Mushfiqur, Shamim Hossain also got run out for 11 off 6 deliveries.
It is pertinent to note that this is a must win game for Bangladesh as they have already lost their opening match against Sri Lanka. This will be their last opportunity to add points against their name and they would like to grab the 2 points on offer and wait for the result of the Sri Lanka-Afghanistan match to know whether they will proceed ahead or will make an early exit. The top two teams in the three-team group will head to the Super Fours.