Mossadek strikes to restrict New Zealand in mustwin tie

CHAMPIONS TROPHY Took three wickets on team return, NZ score 265/8

Mossadek Hossain marked his return to the Bangladesh side by taking three wickets as New Zealand slumped to a total of 265 for eight in a mustwin Champions Trophy clash at Cardiff on Friday.

New Zealand were well set while captain Kane Williamson (57) and Ross Taylor (63) were sharing a stand of 83 -- their third fifty partnership in as many matches this tournament.

But, as happened in their no-result washout with Australia and defeat by England, the Blackcaps’ innings collapsed once the experienced batsmen were 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.

New Zealand, who had been 152 for three off 30 overs, only managed 113 more runs in the last 20 overs. Given 300 is now generally regarded as a ‘par score’, Bangladesh were on top at the half-way stage -- especially as Williamson had won the toss.

Both Bangladesh and New Zealand had to win this Group A match to stand a chance of going through to the semi-finals, although a victory for Australia against England at Edgbaston on Saturday would see them join the already-qualified tournament