Asia Cup: Mithun-Mushfiq stand after early trouble

Sports Desk: Bangladesh are batting against Sri Lanka in the opener of 14th Asia Cup-2018.

Recovering from a two-for three in two overs Bangladesh turned around against Sri Lanka as Mushfiqur Rahim and Mohammad Mithun were holding their nerves at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in UAE on Saturday.

Wicketkeeper batsman Mithun [51* off 53b; 4x4; 2x6] hit his maiden international half century while experienced Mushfiqur Rahim [43* off 60b; 3x4; 1X6] accompanied him on Bangladesh’s 102 for 2* in 20th over.

Earlier, the Tigers batsmen were crumbling as lost Liton Kumar Das and Shakib Al Hasan within the very first over before Tamim Iqbal was retired hurt in the next over on Bangladesh’s collection of just three runs.

Sri Lankan experienced pacer Lasith Malinga got two successive wickets, sending off opening batsman Liton and all-rounder Shakib with ducks in his 5th and 6th balls of the innings 1st over.

Opener Tamim Iqbal [2 off 3b] was walking back to pavilion due to the left wrist injury, facing the last ball of the 2nd over off Suranga Lakmal, and he and needs a physio.

Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza won the toss and elected to bat first in the Group ‘B’ match of the six-nation tournament.

risingbd/Dhaka/September 15, 2018/A K Azad