• Home
  • Match Hub
  • Ban Vs Afg Centuries From Mehidy Hasan Najmul Hossain Shanto Puts Ban In Command

BAN vs AFG | Centuries From Mehidy Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto Puts BAN in Command

image-lm3gmljqMehidy Hasan after completing his century [AP Photo]

The decision to promote Mehidy Hasan Miraz at the top of the order for the clash against Afghanistan was met with mixed emotions. However, 3.5 hours later, the all-rounder proved everyone wrong with a stunning century to put Bangladesh in command at the half-way stage. 

This time he wasn't alone, as Najmul Hossain Shanto, who was the lone warrior in the Sri Lanka match, scored a century of his own and helped Bangladesh score 334 for 5.

Mehidy, Najmul lead Bangladesh's fightback

After a drubbing at the hands of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh needed a strong reply from the batters, and they finally got it with fine centuries from Mehidy Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto. With a flat Lahore track on the cards, Bangladesh opener, Mohammad Naim started the innings with a flurry of boundaries, as he targeted Fazalhaq Farooqi.


However, the momentum was halted when Mujeeb-Ur-Rahman knocked over Mohammad Naim with a pearler, and Towhid Hridoy was sent back for a duck by Gulbadin Naib.

With their backs against the walls, Mehidy and Najmul led the fightback with a strong reply. The duo played cautiously, but once they settled in, the boundary floodgates opened. To put pressure on Afghanistan, Bangladesh batters needed to put pressure on the Afghan spinners, and they did just that.

Both Najmul and Mehidy took the attack against Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, as Bangladesh crawled back in the game. Mehidy, who was promoted at the top, played some delightful strokes, and notched up his second ODI century, his first against the Afghans.

However, playing at 112, Mehidy had to retire hurt after he injured his hand. Meanwhile, Najmul, continued the momentum from the Sri Lanka game, and notched up his second ODI century under tremendous pressure.

Eventually the assault from the two batters, and a late flourish from Shakib Al Hasan (32* off 18) made sure that the Tigers post a competitive total on the board.

Brief Score

Bangladesh: 334 for 5 (50)

Mehidy Hasan Miraz 112 (Retired Hurt) (119), Najmul Hossain Shanto 104 (105);

Gulbadin Naib 1-58 (8), Mujeeb-Ur-Rahman 1-62 (10)