Shanto-Tamim acknowledge unbelievable crowd support in Chelmsford

Najmul Hossain Shanto's maiden ton and Mushfiqur Rahim's sensible finish helped Bangladesh pull off their second-highest chase in the fifty-over format as Bangladesh won by three wickets against hosts Ireland in the second and penultimate ODI in Chelmsford on Friday.

The rain-curtailed 45-over encounter ended in thrilling fashion after Shanto laid the platform with Towhid Hridoy adding 131 runs for the fourth wicket. Young Hridoy scored a crucial 68 off 58 deliveries while Shanto, who reached his hundred off 83 balls, was eventually dismissed for a 93-ball 117, a brilliant knock that featured twelve fours and three sixes.

Muhshfiqur then held his nerves and took the Tigers past the winning line with three deliveries left. The little master stayed unbeaten 36 off 28 balls.

Shanto gave credit to Hridoy for the wonderful partnership. He also informed that the four-thousand Bangladeshi supporters in Chelmsford inspired him as the Tigers never felt away from home on a chilly day.

"My first hundred, so I am very happy and feeling very nice. I think (Towhid) Hridoy batted really well, the intent he showed helped my batting. It's pretty cold here, but we can't control the conditions and we got to focus on our game," said Shanto during the post-match presentation ceremony.

He added, "We didn't feel that we are outside Bangladesh, we feel like playing at home. Thanks to the crowd for coming, hopefully they will continue to support us like this."

Skipper Tamim said that they were confident to chase down the target despite the Tigers were 101 for 3 inside 17 overs. He was in all praise of Shanto and Hridoy where Tamim termed the latter who scored his second fifty in fifth ODI as a future star for Bangladesh.

"Wherever you are playing in England the support is unbelievable. I still remember in 2017 at the Oval against England our supporters outnumbered theirs and their motivation always plays a huge role. The ground size and dimensions today were much better. Very, very pleased with the way Shanto and Hridoy batted.

"I'm really pleased with the way Towhid is playing, not only in this series but also back home. He has a long way to go, if he can continue like this, then it will certainly be gold for us," said Tamim.

Following a memorable win -- which culminated into Bangladesh's second-highest successful chase in ODIs, behind the 322 chased in 41.3 overs against the West Indies at the 2019 World Cup in Taunton -- Bangladesh are one-nil up in the series. The two sides will lock horns in the final game of the series on Sunday.

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