CT 2017, Match 9, NZ v BAN Review: Bangladesh pull of a sensational run chase to keep semis hopes alive

The crowd at Cardiff witnessed an exciting game of cricket. First of all, it was a complete 50 overs game. With a do or die game between Bangladesh and New Zealand and a possible semis spot for the reckoning, this match continued the recent trend of underdogs trouncing a stronger opposition in this year’s Champions Trophy.

Bangladesh managed to knock the Kiwis out of the Champions Trophy and in tremendous fashion. Shakib Al Hasan probably played the innings of his life and so did Mahmudullah from the other end. In a game where after 12 overs of the Bangladesh innings, no one would’ve dared to gamble on them, the Tigers did the unthinkable.

Earlier in the day, it was captain Kane Williamson who won the toss as the New Zealand side elected to bat first and put runs on the board. They weren’t off to a great start with both openers failing to convert their starts. Martin Guptill did seem in the mood for a big inning before he was trapped in front of the stumps by Rubel Hossain.

Williamson again came to the rescue as he along with Ross Taylor went on to stitch a stellar 83-run partnership for the third wicket. Both went on to register half centuries as the Kiwis progressed their innings slowly but steadily. Neil Broom also looked in good shape during his stay at the crease.

At 201/3 with more than 11 overs to go, the Kiwis would’ve fancied their chances of scoring above 300 with lots of firepower in the batting to follow. However, there was a twist in the tale. Ross Taylor and Broom were dismissed before they could shift gears. Corey Anderson failed big time as he bagged a golden duck while James Neesham couldn’t manage to do much.

At the end of 50 overs, the Kiwis could only post 265/8. Mosaddek Hossain struck thrice while Taskin Ahmed who was making a comeback in the team also got a couple of wickets and bowled with great efficiency. Mustafizur Rahman had Adam Milne’s stumps for a toss while Rubel Hossain had Guptill in his account.

Crumbling start to the chase

Chasing 266 wasn’t going to be a difficult task and the Kiwis needed a wonderful effort from their bowling to make a difference. That’s what happened. Tim Southee bowled a fiery spell first up as he accounted a wicket in each of his first three overs. Adam Milne bowled Mushfiqur Rahim to make it 33/4. The whole Bangladesh top order including their best bet Tamim Iqbal who was out for a duck were back to the pavilion.

No one even in the wildest of their dreams would’ve imagined what followed. A magnificent 224-run partnership for the fifth wicket between Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah turned the tables around. The fans were in utter shock with the kind of batting exhibition, these two displayed with a determination of steel.

Shakib scored an astounding hundred which can probably be described as the innings of the tournament. From the other end, Mahmudullah scored his third century in an ICC tournament as he too scored a breathtaking knock to help Bangladesh register a mind blowing victory.

While Shakib was bowled by Trent Boult, with 9 runs to win the damage was already done as Bangladesh comfortably cruised to the total with 16 balls to spare. Shakib was also awarded the Man of the Match for his splendour effort. As captain Mashrafe Mortaza described, the partnership between the duo as out of the world.

With this win, the Bangladesh team might have sent New Zealand bags packing for home but their semi-finals fate depends on the Australia vs England encounter. An Australian victory slashes their hopes of a semis berth and they would be hoping England register their third win in a row.

Brief Scores:

New Zealand 265/8 in 50 overs (Ross Taylor 63, Kane Williamson 57; Mosaddek Hossain 3/13)

Bangladesh 268/5 in 47.2 overs (Shakib Al Hasan 114, Mahmadullah 102*; Tim Southee 3/45)