The 16th edition of the regional cricket spectacular, which begins in Pakistan and Sri Lanka on August 30, will return to the Asia Cup’s original 50-over format after featuring the shortest format in its most recent iteration last year. The Daily Star Sports takes a look back at the Tigers’ performances in the 2018 Asia Cup in the UAE, which was contested in their favoured 50-over style, as the six-team competition is getting ready to start and the team is being led by all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.
AN AIRY START
Mushfiqur Rahim’s 150-ball 144 gave Bangladesh a crushing 137-run victory over Sri Lanka in their opening encounter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
After being reduced to one run for two wickets by the end of the first over by danger man Lasith Malinga, the right-hander helped Bangladesh to 261.
Tigers triumph by bravery.
But there was a surprise in store for the match. Bangladesh fans continue to relive a series of events that were started by one specific delivery.
All the players believed Mustafizur Rahman’s run out to be the end of the innings until opener Tamim Iqbal strode out at number 11 in the 47th over. He performed one delivery while hiding a fractured left wrist behind his hip; the scene was powerful.
The Tigers were inspired by that act of bravery for the team in the 46.5th over, when Bangladesh were only 229 for nine on a fine batting pitch, and the opposition was severely demoralized, as evidenced by Sri Lanka’s poor reply, which saw them get bowled out for 124.
a hope-filled present from a moral display
Suranga Lakmal, who had already sent Tamim to the hospital with a bouncer that grazed his left wrist in the first over of the innings, delivered the final ball of the over before Tamim completed it. Mushfiqur scored 32 runs off the next 15 balls, milking the strike and unleashing strokes of pure genius that resulted in three fours and three sixes, bringing his total to 11 boundaries and four maximums, respectively. The left-handed batter didn’t need to play another ball in the following three overs. Even though he had three balls left when he collapsed, the tide had already permanently changed.
The Tigers then launched a fantastic bowling performance that reduced Sri Lanka to 124 runs.