After winning their opening encounter against Afghanistan on Wednesday, Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza is on a high saying they have “set the tone” for the rest of their matches. “My father is here, my uncle is here... it is a great moment. Definitely, the first match is important and we have set the tone,” said Mortaza who took three wickets for 20 runs from nine overs.
Mortaza also praised the partnership of Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan and added that he was happy they coped with the pressure. “We had a reasonable start today. Mushy (Mushfiqur Rahim) and Shakib (Al Hasan) were brilliant.
“It was that kind of match where you have some pressure. I am happy we adapted.” The 31-year-old also thanked the fans inside the stadium for their support. ‘early wickets cost us’ Afghanistan skipper Mohammad Nabi rued losing too many wickets upfront as the main cause for their loss against Bangladesh. After restricting Bangladesh to 267 in their fifty overs, Afghanistan suffered a devastating start to their run chase losing their first three wickets with only 3 runs on the scoreboard.
The innings failed to take-off thereafter and they were bowled out for a paltry 162 in 42.5 overs. The only bright spots in the innings were knocks from Nawroz Mangal (27), Samiullah Shenwari (42) and Nabi (44). “We lost too many wickets early, but Nawroz and Sami batted well. Not a good start in the World Cup,” said Nabi at the post match presentation ceremony.
The 30-year-old credited his bowlers for their performance and also praised Bangladesh batsmen Rahim and Hasan. “First 35 overs we bowled well, especially fast bowlers but Mushfiqur and Shakib played very well and took the score to 260. We hope to play well in the next match,” he said.