Bangladesh put on an impressive bowling display to limit Afghanistan to a mere 156 runs in their World Cup opener. Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz both shone, claiming three wickets each.
Bangladesh chose to bowl first and secured the initial breakthrough after 8.2 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran provided a solid start, adding 47 runs. Shakib's delivery dismantled Zadran for 22.
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After crossing the 100-run mark, Afghanistan's wickets fell at regular intervals.
Rahmanullah emerged as the highest scorer for Afghanistan with 47 runs before falling to Mustafizur Rahman.
Shakib conceded 30 runs in eight overs for his three wickets, while Mehidy took three, conceding 25 runs in nine overs. Left-arm seamer Shoriful Islam took two wickets, and Mustafizur grabbed one.
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Bangladesh had a good day in the field as well. Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Towhid Hridoy grabbed two catches each, while Litton Das took one.
Bangladesh now requires 157 runs to kickstart their World Cup journey with a victory. In the previous two World Cup encounters against Afghanistan, Bangladesh emerged victorious on both occasions.
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