ICC Champions Trophy 2017, Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Match 9: Shakib-Mahmudullah’s record stand, Mosaddek Hossain’s 3-13 and other highlights

New Zealand, who put up an above par total of 265 for the loss of 8 wickets, saw the target being chased down by the Bangladesh batsmen, as the record 224-run stand between Shakib-al-Hasan and Mahmudullah did the damage.

In one of the shocking moments of the ICC Champions Trophy till date, underdogs Bangladesh came up with a stellar performance from behind to shock New Zealand in Match 9 of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 at the Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, on Friday. New Zealand, who put up an above par total of 265 for the loss of 8 wickets, saw the target being chased down by the Bangladesh batsmen, as the record 224-run stand between Shakib-al-Hasan and Mahmudullah did the damage, while Bangladesh won by five wickets. The Kiwis, therefore, have been eliminated from the tournament. Let us have a look at the highlights from this thrilling encounter. Live cricket score: BAN vs NZ

Kane Williamson’s decision to bat first: In cloudy and rainy conditions, usually the team winning the toss decides to bowl first, as the chasing team has the advantage. However, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson shocked everyone, when he chose the opposite, despite the same conditions, along with a lush green track. Interestingly, former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly backed the decision by Williamson, as it turned out to be a good one when New Zealand did manage an above par 265 for 8.

Williamson-Ross Taylor’s partnership: Despite getting off to a slow start, New Zealand settled their innings easily following a steady 83-run stand for the third wicket between the skipper and Ross Taylor. It was also their record ninth 50-plus stand between the two. Williamson contributed 37, while Taylor contributed 44 in the partnership.

Williamson run out, again: In what has been a fruitful tournament for the Kiwi skipper so far, one of the interesting parts of his run has been his dismissal, as he has been dismissed following a run out on two occasions so far in this tournament. It was also his third run out in the last four ODI innings. Nevertheless, the good part is that he is so far the highest run-getter in the tournament with 244 runs, going past Bangladesh’s Tamim Iqbal.

Disciplined bowling from Bangladesh: Despite putting up an above average total, the Bangladesh bowlers deserved credit, as they managed to paddle the brakes on the Kiwi innings following the dismissal of Williamson and Taylor. The bowlers did make sure that they do not allow the incoming batsmen to settle any further as they did manage to get a few wickets at regular intervals, thus allowing New Zealand to finish just with an above par total. Mosaddek bowled just three overs, but his 3 wickets pegged the Kiwis back.

Tim Southee’s first spell: As Bangaldesh came on to bat, it was not a fruitful start for them, with New Zealand pacer Tim Southee creating havoc in his opening spell. He managed to claim the opening three wickets of Bangladesh in the first five overs of the game, in the form of opener Tamim (0), Soumya Sarkar (3) and Sabbir Rahman (8).

Adam Milne cleans up Birthday boy Mushfiqur Rahim: Despite having gone off to a shaky start, Bangladesh still had their hopes clinging on their wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim, who was also celebrating his 29th birthday. However, his hopes of playing a birthday knock were dashed, as he was bowled by speedster Adam Milne for mere 14, sending him back without any perfect birthday gift.

Shakib Al Hasan-Mahmudullah show: Having already gone off to a shocking start by losing 4 wickets in 12 overs for mere 33 runs, Bangladesh did fear that their campaign in the Champions Trophy could be over. However, it was the pair of their star all-rounder Shakib and Mahmudullah, who put up a splendid show, putting up a 224-run partnership. It was also a record partnership for Bangladesh for any wicket in ODIs. Shakib contributed 114, while Mahmudullah scored 98 in the stand.

Mahmudullah’s 3rd ICC event century: Apart from Shakib, it was Mahmudullah, who too brought up his century in style, as he scored his third ODI ton, while his previous two centuries have also come in the ICC events, during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 against England and New Zealand.

Bangladesh qualify if Australia-England tie is abandoned: Bangladesh would, for the first time in the history of the ICC Champions Trophy, make it to the semi-final of the tournament if the Saturday’s tie between rivals England and Australia ends in a no contest. The reason for Bangladesh’s qualification would be of having more wins than Australia in the tournament.

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