‘Can you imagine that PM called me five times during game?’

Courtesy of a magnificent century from Liton Das, who stitched a brilliant 202-run partnership with Mushfiqur Rahim, Bangladesh registered a convincing 88-run win over Afghanistan in the second one-dayer and clinched the bilateral three-match ODI series with a game in hand in Chattogram today.

The win also resulted in Bangladesh moving to the top of the table of ICC's men's Cricket World Cup Super League, leaving behind England in second position. 

According to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan, passionate cricket lover Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had called him five times during the game today, during which she heaped praise on the brilliant performance from the Tigers.

"We are all happy and the entire nation is happy. Can you imagine that PM called me five times during the game?" an elated Hassan told the media after the game today. 

"She was in front of the television the whole day. When the game started, she called and praised the cricketers and after Liton reached his hundred, she congratulated both Liton and Mushfiqur," the BCB president informed. 

Liton and Mushfiqur - the two stars of the day - after the post-match presentation ceremony at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Hassan further informed that the Prime Minister had also mentioned about rewarding young Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who grabbed a superb catch at the boundary line after coming into the field as a substitute fielder.

Mahmudul Hasan Joy celebrates after taking an impressive catch in the deep. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

"In the end she [Prime Minister] asked me, 'What's his name, the one who took that catch? He should be rewarded as he has taken a very good catch.'

"She has seen the entire game and enjoyed it a lot," Hassan said.