The talented 25-year-old left-handed Bangladesh batsman Najmul Shanto continued his good run with the bat in the Asia Cup 2023 and notched up his second ODI century, on Sunday against Afghanistan in Lahore
In the previous game against Sri Lanka, in Pallekele, Najmul Shanto was Bangladesh’s top-scorer with 89 runs in the team total of only 164. Bangladesh lost that match by 5 wickets and today’s encounter against Afghanistan is a must-win match for Bangladesh to keep their hopes alive of proceeding to the Super 4 round.
In this must-win encounter against a potent Afghanistan bowling attack, Najmul Shanto played brilliantly and formed a terrific partnership of 194* runs in 190 balls with Mehidy Hasan Miraz that helped Bangladesh’s score to 334.
Najmul Shanto scored 104 runs in 105 balls in his prolific knock with the help of 9 fours and 2 sixes while Mehidy Hasan Miraz scored 112 runs in 119 balls before retiring out hurt due to excessive cramps.
The pair had come together after Bangladesh had lost two wickets for 63 runs. They were equally adept in playing and attacking both the Afghanistan spinners and pacers. Even the ever-dangerous Rashid Khan had a tough day, one to forget, going for 66 runs in his 10 wicketless overs.
Najmul Shanto does baby celebration for his newborn son
Najmul Shanto reached his century – only his second in 28 ODI innings – in the 43rd over, bowled by Mujeeb Ur Rahman. The left-hander tapped a full ball on the pads from Mujeeb on the leg-side. A misfield at short mid-wicket allowed Najmul Shanto to take a single and complete his century.
In his celebration, Shanto first took out his bat and helmet and raised his arms aloft to the dressing room. He then did the ‘Baby’ celebration to dedicate this century to his newborn son.
Watch it here:
Shanto 100 ♥️🇧🇩♥️🏏♥️ #cricket #cricket100 #mdwasim pic.twitter.com/hJ1PrYqlXa
— Wasim Akram (@WasimAk47751481) September 3, 2023
Speaking in the mid-match interview, Najmul Shanto said: ” This hundred I dedicate it to my son. We weren’t worried about the two wickets, we played according to the situation and the merit of the ball. It’s (BPL) a good tournament, it’s a challenging tournament, and that helped me a lot. It helps us to play international cricket as many foreign players are a part of it. The dressing room is good, we are lucky to play with legends like Mushfiq and Shakib. Miraz showed his character and batted really well. The pitch looks good, but we have a quality bowling attack, if we bowl to our strengths I think we can win this match.”
