Shakib, Mahmudullah rally Bangladesh to thrilling win
Epic fifthwicket stand of 224 lifts team after strikes by NZ pacer Southee
CARDIFF: Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah shared a magnificent double-century partnership to rally Bangladesh to a sensational victory over New Zealand in a crucial Group A clash in the ICC Champions Trophy on Friday.
All-rounder Shakib struck 114 and the classy Mahmudullah was unbeaten on 102 as the pair raised a record fifth-wicket stand of 224 to subdue New Zealand after pacer Tim Southee’s triple strikes had reduced the innings to 33/4 chasing 266 for victory. The victory kept Bangladesh’s hopes of semifinals alive. They will go through if Australia fail to beat England, who have already qualified, in Saturday’s final group game in Edgbaston. New Zealand, the 2000 champions, were eliminated.
Trent Boult eventually bowled Shakib (115 b, 11x4, 1x6) in the 47th over to end the part- nership, but Bangladesh were within touching distance of victory by then. Bangladesh, after restricting New Zealand to 265/8 finished on 268/5 in 47.2 overs.
Mossadek Hossain marked his return to the Bangladesh side by taking three wickets to restrict New Zealand. They were well set while captain Kane Williamson (57) and Ross Taylor (63) were sharing a stand of 83 -- their third fifty partnership in a row in the tournament.
But, as happened in their no-result washout with Australia and defeat by England, the Kiwis’ innings collapsed once the experienced duo was out in quick succession. Mossadek, chosen ahead of fellow off-spinner Mehedi Hasan, took two wickets in three balls on his way to impressive figures of three for 13 in three overs.
Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, Bangladesh’s other change to a side that escaped with a no result against Australia, took two for 43 in eight overs.