Hindustan Surkhiyan Desk: Bangladesh posted a good total of 260 thanks to Mushfiqur Rahim’s unbeaten 144 that featured some lusty late blows.
Bangladesh had reached 229 for eight before Mustafizur Rahman departed off the last ball of the 47th over. That should have brought an end to Bangladesh’s innings but Tamim Iqbal, with heavy bandages over his fractured hand, reappeared to play out the last ball of the over.
It was an incredible show of will and dedication and Tamim fended off Suranga Lakmal’s bouncer with one hand to end the over.
Mushfiqur then ensured that Tamim’s heroics would not go to waste, smashing three sixes, three fours, a single and a double off the remaining balls.
Earlier, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mohammad Mithun pull Bangladesh out of the gutter with a century stand for the third wicket in the opening match of the Asia Cup against Sri Lankan at the Dubai International Stadium today.
The pair took the score to 119-2 from a hopeless 3-2 with Tamim Iqbal retired hurt. The partnership stood 116 runs after 23 overs with Mithun unbeaten on 57 and Mushfiqur on 54. Mithun scored his maiden half century off 52 balls that contained four fours and a couple of sixes. Mushfiqur’s half century featured three fours and a six.
Bangladesh got off to a disastrous start when they lost two wickets in first over bowled by a vintage Lasith Malinga.
The experienced pacer, returning to international cricket after a gap of one year, first had opener Liton Das caught in the slip for a duck with the fifth ball before having Sakib Al Hasan clean bowled with an Yourker for a golden duck. The opening over burst saw Bangladesh reduced to 1-2 after other opener Tamim Iqbal stroked a single off the first delivery.
Bangladesh suffered another blow in the second over bowled by Suranga Lakmal when Tamim retired hurt for two after sustaining a blow on his left- wrist. The experienced left-hander left the ground to assess the extent of the injury, leaving Mushfiqur Rahim and Mohammad Mithun to repair the early damage.
Earlier, Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza won the toss and chose to bat. The good news is that despite recent injury worries, Bangladesh fielded a full-strength side.
The only changes from the last ODI Bangladesh played in the West Indies is that opener Anamul Haque makes way for Liton Das and Sabbir Rahman goes out for Mohammad Mithun.
Historically speaking, Bangladesh are very much the underdogs as they have won just six and lost 44 games against Sri Lanka. In recent times however, the rivalry has been much more competitive. In their last five completed matches, Bangladesh have won two and lost three matches.
