Abu dhabi: Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Towhid Hridoy's half-centuries were instrumental in helping Bangladesh set a competitive target of 221-5 in the opening match of the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan at Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Miraz played a crucial innings, scoring a team-high 60 runs off 87 balls, including one four and one six. Hridoy contributed significantly with 56 runs, marking his third consecutive fifty and fourth score above fifty in his last five ODI innings. His innings featured one four and three sixes. Despite being dropped from the T20 series against Afghanistan due to poor form, Hridoy showcased his resilience in the first ODI when it was most needed.
The partnership between Miraz and Hridoy was pivotal as they added 101 runs for the fourth wicket, setting a strong foundation for Bangladesh. However, the team experienced a familiar collapse, losing their last six wickets for just 67 runs. Miraz had earlier mentioned that a total around 280 would be a good score, but the top-order batters struggled to justify the decision to bat first.
Afghanistan's pacer Azmatullah Omarzai made early breakthroughs, dismissing opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim for 10 and Najmul Hossain Shanto for 2, leaving Bangladesh in a precarious position at 25-2. Saif Hassan, making his ODI debut, showed promise but was eventually dismissed by Naangeyalia Kharote after scoring 26 off 37 balls.
Miraz and Hridoy initially faced challenges as Afghanistan's pacers maintained a disciplined line and length. They successfully navigated through this difficult period and reached their respective half-centuries before leg-spinner Rashid Khan turned the game around. Rashid dismissed both Miraz and Hridoy in quick succession, triggering Bangladesh's batting collapse. He also claimed the wicket of Nurul Hasan Sohan, finishing with impressive figures of 3-38.
Omarzai, who took 3-40, and AM Ghazanfar (2-55) effectively wrapped up the tail, as the Bangladesh lower-order batters failed to offer prolonged resistance.