Shakib Al Hasan scored a half-century and took a five-for in a dominant 62-run win over Afghanistan at the Rose Bowl.
Afghanistan struck at regular intervals to restrict Bangladesh as much as they could.
Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan were Bangladesh’s best performers and scored 83 and 51, respectively.
Shakib was vital in taking Bangladesh close to the 150-run mark, while Mushfiqur brought his side to 251 when he became the Tigers’ sixth wicket to fall.
Bangladesh managed to push themselves to 262-7 thanks to cameos from Mahmudullah (27) and Mosaddek Hossain (35).
Mujeeb Ur Rahman in particular was effective for Afghanistan with the ball and finished with figures of 3-39.
Afghanistan’s innings was built on sub-par scores, with Gulbadin Naib’s 47 the only worthy knock.
Bangladesh struck regularly to keep the pressure on the opposition and keep their run rate down and it was Shakib who led the charge, this time with the ball.
His incredible 5-29 dismissed all Afghanistan’s big guns and kept his side in charge.
Samiullah Shinwari scored 49 for his side but it wasn’t enough as Bangladesh skittled Afghanistan for 200.
The victory has kept the Tigers’ hunt for a semi-final spot alive.
Photo: Cricket World Cup/Twitter
