Mehidy's all-round effort helps Bangladesh thump Afghanistan

Allrounder Mehidy Hasan has scored a half-century and taken three wickets as Bangladesh got their World Cup campaign off to a solid start with a six-wicket victory over Afghanistan in Dharamsala.

Having won the toss and elected to field, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan put his side in the driving seat by claiming three key wickets for 30 runs, while Mehidy (3-25) mopped up the tail.

Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz top-scored for Afghanistan with 47.

Mehidy, who came in at No.3, then played a significant part in Bangladesh's reply, hitting 57 off 73 balls as the 2015 quarter-finalists chased down their target of 157 in 34.4 overs.

"I was a little bit cautious in my mind early on while bowling but the captain told me to bowl in the right areas and told me to be consistent and that gave me confidence," player of the match Mehidy said.

"I always play at number eight so it was a great opportunity to bat in the top order. I always have the hunger so definitely it's a great moment for me to perform."

Bangladesh's chase got off to a rocky start, with both openers departing early to leave them on 2-27. 

Mehidy's arrival steadied the ship, but he benefited from a touch of fortune when he was dropped by Najibullah Zadran on 16.

The 25-year-old combined with Najmul Hossain Shanto (59 not out) for a 97-run third-wicket partnership, and though Rahmat Shah pulled off a spectacular one-handed catch to end Mehidy's knock, the damage was done as Bangladesh eased to victory.

Afghanistan had got off to a good start as Gurbaz put up fleeting stands with Ibrahim Zadran (22) and Rahmat (18), but Shakib tempted both into risky shots and a couple of wayward top edges ended the partnerships just as they began to look dangerous.

Despite the loss of those two wickets, Afghanistan looked in a strong position at 2-112 after 24 overs, but their hopes of building on that platform suffered a devastating blow as Hashmatullah Shahidi (18) and Gurbaz were dismissed in quick succession.

That sparked a middle-order collapse and Afghanistan lost their remaining six wickets for just 44 more runs to end on 156.

The match was an important one for both sides as they are the two lowest-ranked teams in the tournament after the Netherlands.

Bangladesh next face holders England in Dharamsala on Tuesday, while Afghanistan, looking for their first World Cup win since 2015, take on hosts India in Delhi a day later.