Mehidy’s ‘memorable’ knock powers Bangladesh to thrilling ODI win

DHAKA, AFP: Mehidy Hasan Miraz hit an unbeaten 38 and put on a record tenth-wicket stand as Bangladesh edged out India by one wicket in a thrilling opening one-day international on Sunday.

Chasing 187 for victory, the hosts fell to 136-9 before Mehidy and Mustafizur Rahman put together a 51 run partnership -- Bangladesh’s best ever for the final wicket in a successful run chase -- to achieve their target with 24 balls to spare in Dhaka.

Bangladesh lead the three-match series 1-0 with the second match on Wednesday at the same venue.

Mehidy, coming in to bat at number eight, hit four fours and two sixes and survived a dropped catch by wicketkeeper KL Rahul on 15 to turn the match on its head.

Mehidy hit the winning runs in his 39-ball knock to trigger wild celebrations as the players came running onto the field and the home crowd erupted.

“This performance is really memorable for me,” said man of the match Mehidy.

Skipper Liton Das said he has “no words to describe this feeling” and congratulated Mehidy after he made a winning debut as ODI captain in the absence of the injured Tamim Iqbal.

Mustafizur scored 10 off 11 balls as he and Mehidy stood firm in the fourth-highest 10th wicket partnership in a successful ODI chase to record a famous win.

Shakib Al Hasan set up victory after his impressive bowling figures of 5-36 helped bowl out India for 186 in 41.2 overs despite Rahul’s 73 after Bangladesh elected to field first.

“We bowled pretty well and kept them under pressure till the end. They held their nerves in the backend,” said India skipper Rohit Sharma.

“The genes are there, these guys grew up playing in such conditions. It is all about handling pressure. Hopefully, we change things around in the next game.” Rahul stood out for India with his 70-ball knock but the rest of the tourists batting disappointed.

Rahul, who came in as wicketkeeper-batsman after regular glovesman Rishabh Pant was ruled out of the series due to injury, smashed five fours and fours sixes.

Pace bowler Ebadot claimed four wickets including Rahul and the final wicket to wrap up the opposition innings in 41.2 overs.