There were many external controversies surrounding Bangladesh cricket ahead of the World Cup, but the Tigers made a good impression on the field in Saturday's World Cup match with Shakib Al Hasan and Co. defeating Afghanistan.
Mehdi HasanMiraz excelled with both bat and ball as Bangladesh started the World Cup with a resounding six-wicket victory.
Shakib said after the match that he did not want to make excuses such as the ground being less than ideal and confirmed that the Tigers have been practicing really hard over the past few days.
“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 and we didn't want to make any excuse that the ground isn't ideal and we talked about that in the dressing room (that we have to adjust and play well despite the conditions),” said Shakib.
Shakib inflicted more World Cup damage on Afghanistan, the left-arm spinner taking 3-30 while his bowling changes yielded wickets.
“I am happy to contribute with my bowling, as I said all our five bowlers chipped in, they contributed, spinners played a bigger role but it's a long tournament, I am sure fast bowlers will contribute more. Mehidy, Shanto...these are our inform players; they are always confident and want to do well for the team,” he added.
Shakib, who in the corresponding World Cup fixture four years ago took 5-29 in Bangladesh's 62-run win.
Afghanistan, relatively well-placed at 47-1 and 112-2 after being sent into bat by Shakib, lost their last eight wickets for 44 runs.
Several Afghanistan batsmen gave their wickets away, with only opener RahmanullahGurbaz (47) offering much resistance.
“We had a good start but at the middle after fall of first wicket, we had bad shot selection but their bowlers bowled very tight. I think we fought well (in the field) but the score wasn't enough. Still we had a good fight and we look forward to our upcoming games. We should learn from our mistakes and we have to (focus) on the England game.” Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi said.