Miraz sets the tone for Tigers in Powerplay

Bangladesh openers Mehedi Hasan Miraz and Sabbir Rahman showed positive intent at the start, striking two boundaries in the first over bowled by Sri Lanka's Dilshan Madushanka. Miraz then sustained the aggression during the Powerplay.  

The Tigers, sent in to bat first, are 70 for three after nine overs in the do-or-die encounter to progress into the Super Four of the Asia Cup at the Dubai International Stadium tonight. Afif Hossain has just joined Shakib Al Hasan, batting on 13 off 16, in the middle after Mushfiqur Rahim (4) was the latest to depart. 

Earlier, Sabbir – who returned to national colours after over two years -- mistimed a pull shot and fell for five in the innings' third over off Asitha Fernando.

Meanwhile, Miraz struck the innings' first six over long off by dancing down the track to Maheesh Theekshana. The right-hander then struck gold in the innings' fifth over off Fernando as Bangladesh scored 18 with three consecutive boundaries, including a six. 

Miraz scooped the hit the first boundary, a maximum, over the wicket-keeper's head and followed it up with a cracking drive for a boundary down the ground. The next ball went for four leg byes, much to the delight of Bangladesh fans in the stadium.  

Bangladesh fans in stadium. Photo: AFP

However, Miraz, after scoring 38 off 25 balls, brought his downfall and got bowled out by trying to play a cross-batted shot against Wanindu Hasaranga in his first over, the innings' seventh.