Bangladesh batsman Mahmudullah (L) celebrates with team-mate Mushfiqur Rahim after hitting the winning runs against New Zealand during their tri-nation series match in Dublin on Wednesday. — AFP photo
Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah shared 72 runs in an unbroken sixth wicket stand to help Bangladesh post an emphatic five-wicket win over New Zealand in their final match of tri-series one-day international in Dublin on Wednesday.
Set a modest target after bowlers had restricted New Zealand to 270-8, Bangladesh raced to 271-5 in 48.2 overs for their first ever victory against New Zealand away from home.
Mahmudullah pulled Hamish Bennett through mid-wicket for a boundary to complete the win, which earned them two valuable ranking points, taking their tally to 93 points – level with Sri Lanka in the sixth place.
It all but guaranteed them a place in World Cup 2019 irrespective of whatever happens in the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy, beginning in England on June 1.
Mahmudullah remained unbeaten on 46 while Mushfiq remained not out 45 runs in their match-winning partnership.
Though Mushfiq lagged behind Mahmudullah in terms of number, he was named man of the match for keeping his cool at a time when the match seemed slipping away from the grasp of Tigers.
Bangladesh lost in form opener Soumya Sarkar for a duck but Tamim Iqbal, who became only fourth player in the history to hit a six in the first ball of an innings, shared 136 runs for the second wicket with Sabbir Rahman to put Bangladesh in control.
Tamim fell to a spectacular catch of Bennett at deep mid-wicket after making 65 runs that triggered a mini collapse threatening to derail Bangladesh’s innings.
Sabbir was run out for 65 runs after a mix-up with Mosaddek Hossain, who failed to justify his promotion in batting order ahead of Mushfiq and Sakib al Hasan by making just 10 runs.
With Bangladesh reeling at 160-4, Sakib and Mushfiq helped Bangladesh revived the innings but the untimely dismissal of Sakib for 19 runs brought New Zealand back into the contest.
Mushfiq however showed no sign of nervousness playing few confident shots, including a paddle scoop and reverse sweep, putting the pressure back on New Zealand side.
Mahmudullah took the benefit to put New Zealand bowlers all around the park, completing a circle for Bangladesh as they have now defeated every Test-playing country away from home.
Bowlers had their fair share of credit by restricting New Zealand to a modest total after Tom Latham and Neil Broom initially threatened to take the score beyond their reach.
Latham took the benefit of two drop catches to score 84 runs while Broom made 63 runs to give New Zealand a strong foundation after Bangladesh skipper Mashrafee bin Muratza sent them in.
Latham was dropped by Nasir Hossain at square leg on naught off Mashrafee in the third ball of the innings before Mosaddek gave him a life at 50 off his own bowling.
Mustafizur Rahman dismissed Luke Ronchi for two but Latham and Broom added 133 runs for the second wicket in a strong start for New Zealand.
Nasir, who was playing his first match of the tournament, atoned for the mistake when he made Broom a catch of Mashrafee at square leg before he bowled dangerous-looking Latham.
Sakib and Mashrafee soon took the matters in their own hand by picking up two wickets each to slow down New Zealand’s progress.
Sakib removed Corey Anderson for 24 and Mitchell Santner for six while Mashrsfee took the wicket of Jimmy Nisham (six) and Colin Munro (one).
New Zealand crossed past 250-run mark owing to half-century of Ross Taylor, who remained unbeaten on 60.
Sakib had the best bowling figure for Bangladesh with 2-41 while Mashrafee and Nasir returned with 2-52 and 2-57 runs each.
There was a minute’s silence before the match in memory of the victims of the Manchester concert suicide bombing on Monday.
New Zealand were assured of the title before taking the field because of their win in the previous three matches but Bangladesh shared some glory thanks to this comprehensive win that is bound to give them some momentum in the ICC Champions Trophy.
Source: New Age
