Cardiff [U.K]: In what could be termed as one of the biggest days for Bangladesh cricket, Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah struck brilliant centuries to not only bring their team out of the hot water, but also register a thumping five-wicket win in their final Champions Trophy Group A fixture against New Zealand, thus knocking the latter out of the tournament here at Sophia Gardens on Friday.
Chasing a target of 267 runs in a must-win clash, Bangladesh made what could be described as a worst start to their innings as they lost their first four wickets-Tamim Iqbal (0), Soumya Sarkar (three), Sabbir Rahman (eight), Mushfiqur Rahim (14)– inside 33 runs.
However, Shakib and Mahmudullah staged a spirited fight back as they shared a massive 178-run partnership for the fourth wicket to guide Bangladesh past the target with 16 balls to spare.
While Shakib smashed 11 boundaries and a six in his 114-run knock, Mahmudullah notched up eight boundaries and two sixes in his unbeaten run of 102
Tim Southee was the most economical bowler for New Zealand as he finished with the figures of three for 45 while Trent Boult and Adam Milne bagged a wicket each.
Earlier, electing to bat, the Black Caps could only manage 266-8 in their stipulated 50 overs against a disciplined bowling performance by Bangladesh.
The Black Caps made a great start to their innings with openers Martin Guptill and Luke Ronchi sprinting away with plenty of boundaries in their initial five overs before being dismissed for 33 and 16 runs, respectively.
Afterwards, skipper Kane Williamson (57) kept the scoreboard ticking with Ross Taylor (63) as they not only notched up half-centuries, each but also shared a pivotal 83-run stand for the third wicket.
While Williamson reached his third consecutive 50-plus score in the ongoing eight-team marque event off 69 balls, Taylor reached his fifty off 67 balls.
Neil Broom, who smashed three boundaries in his 40-ball 36, was another notable contributor for New Zealand.
For Bangladesh, the best figures came from off-spinner Mosaddek Hossain, who was introduced by skipper Mashrafe Mortaza in the 42nd over.
Besides Mosaddek’s three wickets, Taskin Ahmed, who was playing his first Champions Trophy clash, bagged two wickets while Rubel Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman chipped in with a wicket each.
Shakib was declared ‘Man of the Match’ for his match-winning contribution with the bat.
Bangladesh are now reliant on the result of next group clash between Australia and hosts England at Edgbaston if they are to secure a place in the semi-final on June 15. (ANI)