The Tigers’ counterattack was led by captain Mohammad Ashraful (109 runs, 126 balls, 9x4) who cracked his fifth career century, ably supported by the batsman who sprung up splendid performances during the Kitply Cup, Raqibul Hasan (83 runs, 63 balls, 9x4).
This is only the second time when Bangladesh registered a total in excess of 300 in their ODI cricketing history. UAE returned to Lahore to play an international tie after a long gap of 12 years after the 1996 World Cup.
Debutant new ball bowler Zahid Shah (3/49) was the standout performer for UAE, claiming the wickets of Nazimuddin, Hasan and Mortaza. Shah was one of the 8 debutants for UAE at the Asia Cup opening fixture.
Tamim Iqbal’s cracking knock of 40 runs gave Bangladesh a rollicking start after Ashraful won the toss and elected to bat first. It was a piece of brilliance from Vikrant Shetty that ended Iqbal’s innings.
Emerging Bangladesh seamer Dolar Mahmud struck 20 runs off just 9 balls towards the close to guide his team to the 300-run mark. As many as 22 runs were struck in the last eleven deliveries.
UAE all-rounder Khurram Khan had a forgettable spell at the death, conceding way too many runs and unable to contain the Bangladesh tailenders. It was clearly a case of inexperience of bowling under a high-pressure situation in an international match.
UAE need to win the match in order to qualify for the second stage of the tournament.
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