Hridoy’s fifty powers Bangladesh to 169-9 in 1st ODI

Towhid Hridoy hit his third half-century as Bangladesh put up a mediocre 169-9 in the rain-interrupted first ODI of three-match series, which was reduced to 43-over at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram today.

As per DLS, Afghanistan’s target is 164 in 43 overs.

Hridoy was the only one to stand tall amid the batting debacle, enforced by the Afghanistan bowlers, hitting 51 off 69 with three boundaries. Liton Das was the other notable scorer with 26.

Afghan pacer FazalHaq Farooqi claimed 3-24 and was complemented by the measly bowling effort of two spinners Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who both scalped two wickets apiece, conceding 21 and 23 runs respectively in nine overs.

Farooqi struck early with captain Tamim Iqbal edging a delivery behind the wicket after Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi put Bangladesh into bat first under overcast condition.

Farooqi swung the ball expertly to keep Bangladesh batters on toes but inform Najmul Hossain Shanto started with flurries of boundaries as Bangladesh appeared to hit back.

While Farooqi kept it tight, Shanto and Liton dealt with debutant Saleem Safi with ease but the introduction of the spinners brought success for the Afghans.

Off spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman claimed the wicket of Liton who pulled it straight to deep-backward square while Shanto perished to sweep shot for 12.

Shakib Al Hasan and Towhid Hridoy resisted after the rain halted the game for the first time. They looked to rebuild the innings with utmost confidence but the rain-brake seemed to damage the concentration.

A half-hearted cover drive of Shakib led his dismissal after scoring 15 off 38 deliveries with Bangladesh at 109-4.

Rashid Khan then appeared in the stage, removing Mushfiqur Rahim (1) and Afif Hossain (4) in quick succession to leave Bangladesh in tattering 128-6.

Onus was on Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Hridoy to bail the side out of danger but Farooqi came back in his second spell to get rid of Mriaz for 5.

The rain then intervened the game for the second time and reduced it to 43 overs.

After the rain-break, Hridoy clipped Farooqi towards long-on for two to reach his third half-century off 67 balls. But two balls later, Farooqi dismissed him to take the revenge.

The lower order batters failed to hit any big shot, meaning Bangladesh had to content with below par total. (BSS)