Mushfiqur Rahim hit 144 as Bangladesh thrashed Sri Lanka by 137 runs in the opening match of the Asia Cup 2018 on Saturday.
Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza opted to bat first after winning the toss which was followed by a nightmare start for his team. Lasith Malinga struck twice in the first over to leave the Tigers 1-2, but Mushfiqur’s sixth ODI century took them to 261 all out from 49.3 overs.
Chasing 262, Upul Tharanga gave a flying start to Sri Lanka with a quickfire 27 off 16 balls. But some disciplined bowling from the Bangladeshi bowlers put the pressure back on Sri Lanka who lost first 4 wickets by adding just 38 runs.
Angelo Mathews & Co. was never in the chase; they lost wickets at regular interval and were eventually bowled out for 124 in 35.2 overs.
Mushfiqur Rahim was named the player of the match for his match-winning knock.
Player of the Match : .@mushfiqur15 pic.twitter.com/bEHEBAkGAR
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) September 15, 2018
Bangladesh will now face Afghanistan in the last group match on September 20.
Here is how Twitter reacted to Bangladesh thrilling win:
Wonderful win for Bangladesh, completely outplayed Sri Lanka. Mushfiqur Rahim 's knock was one of the best ever in Bangladesh history.#BANvSL
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) September 15, 2018
Respect to Tamim for coming out to bat despite a fractured wrist.
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) September 15, 2018
Well played Bangladesh. Top innings from Mushfiqur and delighted to see the Fizz looking fit and bowling as he can
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 15, 2018
#AsiaCup Mushfiqur Rahim is really pleasant to watch. This might be a stretch to many, but on his day, he really does remind me of Sachin Tendulkar. Fluid, correct technique, effortless flow, diminutive!
— Mohamed Zeeshan (@ZeeMohamed_) September 15, 2018
@TamimOfficial28 champions get going when the going gets tough 💪👏👏👏.
— Salman Butt (@im_SalmanButt) September 15, 2018
He’s batted in that heat for 48 overs!! Fought a lonely battle post the 25th over … This is an incredible knock from @mushfiqur15 .. Pow Wow ! Unforgettable stuff this #AsiaCup
— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) September 15, 2018
Mushfiqur Rahim (144 off 150 balls) beat Sri Lanka (124 all out) by 20 runs in the #AsiaCup2018 opener.
This is the FIRST instance of a Bangladeshi batsman outscoring the other team (min. 100 runs). #BANvSL
— Israr Ahmed Hashmi (@IamIsrarHashmi) September 15, 2018
Mushfiqur….No Fikar. What. A. Knock. Best by a Bangladesh batsman in ODI cricket. Walked in it to save the hattrick…last man to get out. Well played. #AsiaCup #SLvBan
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 15, 2018
Mushfiqur Rahim's 144 off 150 balls against Sri Lanka is-
-Highest by a Bangladesh batsman in Asia Cup history.
-Jointly second highest by a batsman in Asia Cup.#BANvSL #AsiaCup2018— Imran Hasan (@Imranhasan02) September 15, 2018
#IPL franchises should be seriously looking at Mushfiqur Rahim… This guy can really bat, if you can discount his "nagin" dance!#AsiaCup2018 #SLvBan#BanvSL
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) September 15, 2018
The Bangladesh bowlers had to bowl really well after such an inspiring batting performance from Mushfiqur Rahim and that moment of magic from Tamim Iqbal.
They did a good job bowling out Sri Lanka for 124, winning by 137 runs in the Asia Cup opener.
— Mohammad Isam (@Isam84) September 15, 2018
If there was any doubt, and I’ll admit I did have some doubt, but not any more. There’s most definitely a power shift in Asian cricket and Bangladesh are a real bloody force in limited overs cricket. Miles ahead of Sri Lanka #AsiaCup #SLvBAN
— Raunak Kapoor (@RaunakRK) September 15, 2018
Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka by massive 137 runs, with a poor NRR just a win against Afghanistan might not be enough for Sri Lanka to go to the next round, Sri Lanka might need Bangladesh’s support by beating Afghanistan #AsiaCup
— Azzam Ameen (@AzzamAmeen) September 15, 2018
Fighting knock from #mushfiqur @BCBtigers haven’t been short of spirit in this game, excellent come backs with in this game, giving it all they got #SLvsBAN #Asiacup2018
— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) September 15, 2018
