Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who was promoted to open the innings against Afghanistan in an Asia Cup contest on September 3 (Sunday), repaid the faith of his teammates and management by smashing a terrific century against a quality bowling attack at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The right-handed batter, who last year registered his maiden ODI century while walking into bat at No.8 in a game against India, showcased on Saturday that he is more than just a handy lower-order batter.
On a batting paradise, the 25-year-old batted with elegance and didn't just focus on scoring boundaries. In his innings of 112 runs off 119 balls, Mehidy smashed seven fours and three sixes. Out of his 112 runs, only 46 of those came through boundaries while Mehidy ran hard between the wickets and rotated the strike sublimely which only increased the headache of Afghanistan's bowling attack.
The right-handed batter looked at ease against a world-class spin attack comprising Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb-ur-Rahman. None of the Afghanistan bowlers were able to dismiss Mehidy but the Bangladesh batter walked back to the pavilion with cramps on his hand.
Mehidy, who registered a remarkable 194-run stand with Najmul Hossain Shanto (104 runs off 105 balls) for the third wicket, became the first Bangladesh opening batter to score an ODI century in 17 months.
With Shanto also notching up his second ODI century, it was only the fifth instance in Bangladesh's ODI history that two batters scored a century in the same match.
Mehidy and Shanto were on course to break Litton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim's record of the highest third-wicket alliance (202 runs) for Bangladesh before Mehidy had to retire hurt.
On the back of a brilliant batting display from Mehidy and Shanto, Bangladesh posted a daunting score of 334/5 in 50 overs. Skipper Shakib Al Hasan (32 not out off 18 balls) and Rahim (25 runs off 15 balls) played handy cameos in the end for Bangladesh.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Indian cricket fraternity mourns the passing away of Piloo Reporter, Virender Sehwag says, 'His milkshake boundary signal was so catchy'
Big Breaking: Venue for Asia Cup contests likely to be moved out from Colombo; here's why!
