Bangladesh set a number of new records during their spectacular triumph over Afghanistan in the first ODI of a three-match series in Chattogram on Wednesday, (February 23). The most records were made when Afif Hossain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz batted in the middle for the 7th wicket while pursuing Afghanistan's 215 runs. The pair put up an undefeated 174*-run stand to help Bangladesh win the match by 4 wickets. Take a look at the records that Bangladesh set in the opening match of BAN vs AFG ODI Series 2022.
First Match of BAN vs AFG ODI Series 2022: Noteworthy Records for Bangladesh
Several notable incidents occurred during the first ODI match between Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Both teams had their moments in the game, but Afif Hossain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz's partnership surpassed all expectations. A significant number of records were broken during that stand. Here are some of Bangladesh's notable achievements in the match.
150 International Catches for Mahmudullah Riyad
Mahmudullah Riyad snatched his 150th international catch for Bangladesh during the first ODI of the Afghanistan series. He had to play 364 games to reach the milestone. Shakib Al Hasan has 99 catches in 369 matches, Tamim Iqbal has 98 catches in 358 matches, Soumya Sarkar has 90 catches in 143 matches, and Mashrafe Mortaza has 80 catches in 308 matches, making the top five.
Read: We didn't expect a win after losing six wickets early: Tamim
Bangladesh’s Best ODI Innings at no.7
Left-handed middle-order batter, Afif Hossain delivered a fascinating unbeaten 93*-run knock against Afghanistan, easing Bangladesh's victory. He stepped in at no. 7 when Bangladesh were 28/5 in 7.4 overs and produced that remarkable innings. Afif shattered Mahmudullah Riyad's record of 75* at no.7 with that knock. Other players in the top five are Khaled Mashud (71*), Mushfiqur Rahim (59), and Alok Kapali (55).
Bangladesh’s Best ODI Innings at no.8
Right-handed middle-order batter, Mehidy Hasan Miraz smashed an undefeated 81*-run innings against Afghanistan, securing a historic victory for Bangladesh. He came in at no. 8 when Bangladesh were 45/6 in 11.2 overs and produced that incredible knock. With that knock, Miraz broke Naeem Islam's record of 73* at no.8. Nasir Hossain (63), Sabbir Rahman (53), and Mashrafe Mortaza (51*) make the top five.
Read:1st ODI: Imperious Afif, Mehidy guide Tigers to surprise victory vs Afghanistan
Second Highest ODI partnership for the 7th Wicket
Afif Hossain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz's unbroken 174*-run partnership was the second-best for the 7th wicket in ODI history. In 2015, England's Jos Buttler and Adil Rashid made the highest 177-run seventh-wicket stand against New Zealand. The 127-run partnership between Imrul Kayes and Mohammad Saifuddin against Zimbabwe in 2018 is placed fifth on the list.
The best match-winning partnership after losing five wickets
The 174*-run match-winning stand between Afif Hossain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the seventh wicket was the best successful run chase partnership in ODI history after losing five wickets.
Read:Bangladesh restrict Afghanistan to 215 in 1st ODI
Way Forward
Bangladesh were highly predicted to win the first match of the series. However, no one could have imagined that Afif and Miraj would lead Bangladesh to such a memorable win. They handed Bangladesh cricket fans a spectacular triumph by breaking multiple records in the match. Everyone was taken aback by Afif's tenacity and astute batting. Besides, Miraj's first focus was on giving Afif a strong company in order to build a big partnership. Miraj went on to play some fantastic strokes later on. Bangladesh were saved from certain defeat in the first match of BAN vs AFG ODI Series 2022 because of these two's fantastic batting performances.
Read BAN vs AFG 2022: Attainable Milestones for Bangladesh Players in the Afghanistan Series