Shanto dedicates century to his nine-day-old son

Bangladesh batter Najmul Hossain Shanto continues to produce the goods, having scored his second ODI century following an 89-run knock in their Asia Cup fixture against Afghanistan in Lahore on Sunday.

Just prior to the Asia Cup, on August 25, coinciding with his birthday, Shanto became a father for the first time. The southpaw celebrated his century by blowing a kiss in his signature style before cradling his bat in a gesture towards his newborn child.

Shanto reacts after scoring century on September 03, 2023. Photo: BCB

"This century, I dedicate it to my [newborn] son," said Shanto in the match's interval after Bangladesh rode on two quality knocks under pressure from Shanto (105-ball 104) and Mehedi Hasan Miraz (112 off 119) to score a formidable 334 for five.

Shanto's century comes at an important time as Bangladesh are faced with a must-win game today, in order to keep their Super Four hopes alive.