Shanto’s maiden ODI ton, century stand with Hridoy give Tigers edge

Bangladesh batter Najmul Hossain Shanto has registered his maiden ODI century and his partnership with Towhid Hridoy ensured the visitors gain the necessary momentum in the middle overs to chase down a challenging 320 in 45 overs against hosts Ireland in the rain-curtailed second and penultimate ODI in Chelmsford on Friday.

The Tigers are 229 for three after 33.1 overs as Shanto continues to pile up the pressure on Ireland. He has been well supported by Hridoy, who has kept the scoreboard ticking at ease following the departure of Shakib Al Hasan when the Tigers were on 101 in the 17th over. The duo stitched their century stand once Hridoy struck a Graham Hume delivery for a huge six over deep midwicket in the 31st over.  

Bangladesh require a further 91 off remaining 71 balls, with Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehedi Hasan Miraz still to bat. 

Shanto, who went on to strike his maiden ton off 83 balls in his 22nd ODI, struck 11 fours and two sixes along the way. Hridoy, on the other hand, batting on 67 off 55, had brought up his second ODI fifty off 49 balls, has five fours and three maximums to his name so far. 

Update: Hridoy impressive stay in the middle ends on 68 off 58 as he mistimes spinner George Dockrell's short-of-good-length delivery in the 34th over.