Feels great to start World Cup with win: Bangladesh's Mushfiqur Rahim

Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim during his match-winning innings against Afghanistan

Canberra, February 18 (IANS)

Adjudged the Man of the Match in Bangladesh’s opening encounter, batsman Mushfiqur Rahim says it is a ‘great feeling’ to start the World Cup on a winning note after beating Afghanistan by 105 runs in a Pool A encounter here on Wednesday.

Rahim, along with teammate Shakib Al Hasan, put up a 114-run partnership for the fifth wicket, helping Bangladesh reach a formidable total of 267.

Bangladeshi bowlers came out all guns blazing as they reduced the Afghans to 3/3 before bowling them out for 162.

“It's a great feeling,” said Rahim, who scored 71 of just 56 deliveries”

The 26-year-old also credited the openers for their efforts and thanked the big contingent of the Bangladesh crowd that turned up for the game.

“Credit also goes to openers. They didn't get the runs, but it is not that easy up-front. They faced out important overs. Thanks to the crowd for the support,” added Rahim.