Bangladesh opts to bowl first in WC opener against Afghanistan

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan sent Afghanistan to bat first after winning the toss in their World Cup opening game at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala today.

“Will field first, generally it is a ground where the team chases well,” Shakib told the broadcaster after winning the toss.

“Some help for the seamers first up and we would like to capitalize on that. I am happy that I am representing my country for the fifth time in the World Cup. We have to focus on our skills and not think too much. We have the team to do well.”

Bangladesh however fielded a batting-heavy side, including Mahmudullah Riyad in the XI as they opted out the spin of Nasum Ahmed.

After showing good performance in the practice game, Bangladesh kept faith on Tanzid Hasan Tamim as he would open the innings with Liton Das.

Apart from Shakib, this will be the fifth World Cup of Bangladesh veteran Mushfiqur Rahim also. In fact, amongst the current crop of players, they are the only two who played in the 2007 World Cup.

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi emphasized on to bat well after losing the crucial toss.

“We are excited and we will enjoy ourselves. This time we are more confident, we have prepared well and I am confident we will do well in this World Cup. We need to score more runs and put them under pressure, that’s our goal. A lot of boys played in the IPL and India was our home ground earlier. That will help us a lot,” Shahidi said.

Line Ups:

Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Liton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shakib Al Hasan(c), Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman.

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi. (BSS)