There’s no stopping Shakib Al Hasan! The 32-year-old dished out another all-round show — 51 off 69 balls, followed by a five-wicket haul (five for 29) — as Bangladesh defeated Afghanistan by 62 runs on Monday.
After putting up a modest 262 for seven at the Hampshire Bowl, Bangladesh bundled out the opponent for 200 to climb up to the fifth spot in the table.
Chasing a rather tricky total on a slow track, Afghanistan got off to a steady start with captain Gulbadin Naib (47) and Rahmat Shah (24) forging a 49-run partnership.
But things changed when Shakib packed off Rahmat. Though Naib looked determined to play a long innings, he was dismissed by the same bowler after Afghanistan crossed the 100-run mark. After the skipper’s exit, even the middle-order collapsed.
Following his gritty half-century against India in the last outing, expectations were high from Mohammad Nabi. But Shakib struck again, castling him for a duck.
Though Samiullah Shinwari (49 not out) and Najibullah Zadran (23) stitched a 56-run partnership, it was not enough for Afghanistan.
The day, however, belonged to Shakib, who achieved three personal milestones: emerging as the highest run-getter in the tournament (476) and becoming the first Bangladesh batsman to cross 1,000 run-mark in World Cups.
He also became the second international cricketer — after Yuvraj Singh — to score a half-century and claim a five-for in a World Cup fixture.
Earlier in the day, Mushfiqur Rahim too contributed a 83-run knock to put Bangladesh on the right path.
