Agency :
In the first ODI of the series in Sharjah, Bangladesh suffered a heavy 92-run defeat to Afghanistan. However, despite this setback, Mehidy Hasan Miraz remains unshaken.
Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup in June, eventually reaching the semifinals. Now, nearly five months later, the trend continued in the ODI format. Today’s second ODI in Sharjah has become crucial with Bangladesh trailing 1-0 in the three-match series. A loss would mean an early series defeat for Bangladesh.
Speaking to the media, Miraz dismissed the notion that Afghanistan has become a better team than Bangladesh.
“We’ve defeated Afghanistan many times in ODIs and T20Is, even at home. Losing one game doesn’t erase all our past achievements.” Miraz said.
Chasing 236, Bangladesh were well-placed at 120 for two in 26.4 overs, with Najmul Hossain Shanto and Miraz at the crease. But with Shanto’s departure, Bangladesh’s batting order crumbled, ultimately bowled out for 143 in 34.3 overs.
“In international cricket, every team is strong. We didn’t perform as expected. The pitch didn’t behave as we anticipated. Both Shanto and I were set, and it was our responsibility to finish.”