Bangladesh captain Shakib al Hasan heaped praise on his bowlers after they began their 2023 Cricket World Cup mission with a six-wicket win over Afghanistan in Dharamshala Saturday.
Invited to take first guard, the Afghans were dismissed for 156 in 37.2 overs before the Tigers chased down the target inside 35 overs.
All-rounder Mehedi Hasan Miraz starred with both ball and bat, first bagging three wickets before registering a half-century, while Nazmul Hossain Shanto also chipped in with an unbeaten 59.
“We didn't get the start we wanted. Everyone believed once we get a wicket, we could get more (quickly). It wasn't easy but I am very happy the way we bowled. We have been training really hard in the last few days. We didn't want to make any excuse that the ground isn't ideal and we talked about that in the dressing room,” said Shakib after the game.
“I am happy to contribute with my bowling. As I said all our five (six) bowlers chipped in, they contributed. Spinners played a bigger role but it's a long tournament, I am sure fast bowlers will contribute more. Mehedi, Shanto...these are our inform players; they are always confident and want to do well for the team.”
Shakib meanwhile, was his usual dependable self, taking three wickets.
