The New Nation - Internet Edition

Sports Reporter

A superb 109 from Mohammad Ashraful powered Bangladesh to earn a massive 96-run victory over United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their opening Group-A match of Asia Cup at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore of Pakistan on Tuesday.

Ashraful, the skipper of Bangladesh team played 126 deliveries. He sent the ball eight times through the ropes.

Youngster Roqibul Hassan cracked a windy 83 facing 63 balls which innings was ornamented with 10 shots beyond the ropes.

Opener Tamim Iqbal was the other notable scorer for the Tigers who knocked 40 before he was unfortunately run out.

Opted to bat first, Bangladesh piled up a mammoth 300 for the loss of eight wickets in the stipulated 50 overs and then they bowled out United Arab Emirates for 204 off 45.4 overs.