Tone set for rest of the matches: Mortaza

Canberra, Feb 18 (IANS) After winning their opening encounter against Afghanistan in a Pool A World Cup game here Wednesday, Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza is on a high saying they have “set the tone” for the rest of their matches.

Bangladesh notched up a formidable score of 267 from their 50 overs, courtesy knocks from Mushfiqur Rahim (71) and Shakib Al Hasan (63) who steadied the batting in the middle overs, with some hard running between the wickets and finding the occasional boundaries with Rahim being the chief aggressor.

The skipper then came out with a fiery opening spell as he and Rubel Hussain picked up early wickets and eventually bowled Afghanistan out for 162, beating them by 105 runs.

“My father is here, my uncle is here... it is a great moment. Definitely, the first match is important and we have set the tone," said Mortaza who took three wickets for 20 runs from nine overs.

Mortaza also praised the partnership of Rahim and Shakib and added that he was happy they coped with the pressure.

"We had a reasonable start today. Mushy (Mushfiqur Rahim) and Shakib (Al Hasan) were brilliant. It was that kind of match where you have some pressure. I am happy we adapted.”

The 31-year-old also thanked the fans inside the stadium for their support.