The Tigers handed a six-wicket defeat to Afghanistan with a whopping 92 balls to spare.

Miraz celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan during the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World match between Bangladesh and Afghanistan in Dharamsala on October 7, 2023. Photo: AFP

Two three-wicket hauls from Shakib Al Hasan and Mehedi Hasan Miraz and two fifties from the latter and Najmul Hossain Shanto enabled Bangladesh to start their World Cup campaign on the best possible note.

At the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala today, October 7, the Tigers handed a six-wicket defeat to Afghanistan with a whopping 92 balls to spare.

Afghanistan, who had been relatively well-placed at 47-1 and 112-2 after being sent into bat, crumbled to 156 all out inside 38 overs, courtesy of some intelligent bowling and captaincy.

Shakib led the way with initial breakthroughs, and the Bangladesh skipper timely introduced his bowlers in the middle overs as Afghanistan were eyeing 250-plus score.

Miraz also scalped three and demonstrated his prowess with the willow. He arrived in the middle when the Tigers were in a spot of bother during chase, at 17 for two inside seven overs.

Miraz teamed with Shanto to compose a 97-run stand, taking the Tigers near the shores of victory.

It took a sensational one-handed catch by Rahmat Shah in the in-field to remove Miraz, and afterwards it was only a matter of formality.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has congratulated the Bangladesh cricket team for their first win in the ICC World Cup 2023.