The opening slots are the most concerned position for the Bangladesh team in recent times as the country’s best opener Tamim Iqbal is out due to injury. So, in the ongoing Asia Cup, Mehidy Hasan Miraz has been sent to open the innings in three consecutive matches against Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Captain Shakib Al Hasan explained the reason for opening with Miraz after yesterday’s Super Four match against Sri Lanka which they lost by 21 runs. In the post-match press conference, Shakib said, “As per our plan against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, our team management felt that Miraz is a much better option. Because they had the mystery spinner. Miraz played very well against Mujeeb (Ur Rahman) and (Maheesh) Theekshana. That was the reason. I don't think decisions are made without thinking. The opening partnership was 50 runs (against Sri Lanka). 80-90 runs were all that was needed, then the game would have been different.”

Apart from this, Shakib added, “I think he (Miraz) has a role in the top order. He has good technique, solid batter. He can be used with some teams and he can do well. His century (against Afghanistan) was no fluke. A century against such good bowling is a great thing, no matter what the wicket was. He has responsibilities. Had he batted seven, maybe we would have had depth. But in such a tournament, the lower order can be exposed with youngsters.”