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regular-article-logo Friday, 22 November 2024

WC2023: Mushfiqur, Mahmudullah's heroic effort propels Bangladesh to 246

Kane Williamson's return adds strategic depth to New Zealand's batting lineup, enhancing their prospects in the World Cup clash against Bangladesh

Our Web Desk Chennai Published 13.10.23, 07:25 PM
New Zealand's Trent Boult celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Bangladesh's Litton Das during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 match between New Zealand and Bangladesh, at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium

New Zealand's Trent Boult celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Bangladesh's Litton Das during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 match between New Zealand and Bangladesh, at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium PTI

  • New Zealand secures an 8-wicket win as they reach the target in 43 overs, showcasing their prowess in the match
  • New Zealand are steadily approaching towards the target as score reaches 182/2 in 36 overs
  • FIFTY for Kane Williamson off 81 balls. New Zealand reach 141/2 in 29 overs
  • OUT! Conway is given LBW as Shakib Al-Hasan comes in for rescue. New Zealand 100/2 in 21 overs
  • Both Kiwi batters are set as NZ reach 92/1 in 20 overs
  • Conway and Williamson exercise caution as New Zealand steadily reach 65/1 in 14 overs
  • Early Breakthrough for Bangladesh: Mustafizur Dismisses In-Form Ravindra, New Zealand at 15/1
  • New Zealand Begins with a Cautious Approach, Aiming for Victory at MA Chidambaram Stadium

The experienced Mushfiqur Rahim top-scored with 66 as Bangladesh battled hard in the face of New Zealand's disciplined bowling effort to post 245 for nine in their ICC World Cup match here on Friday.

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Rahim's 75-ball knock, alongside valuable contributions from skipper Shakib al Hasan (40 off 51 balls) and Mahmudullah (41 off 49), lifted Bangladesh after they were reeling at 56 for four in the 13th over.

The Tigers began on a disastrous note, losing Litton Das (0) off the very first delivery of the game to pacer Trent Boult, as his attempted flick was collected by Matt Henry in fine leg.

Tanzid Hasan (16 ) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (30) tried to put up some resistance before the former fell prey to pacer Lockie Ferguson, offering a catch to Devon Conway in square leg in the eighth over.

Notably, Tanzid was dropped when he was yet to open his account by Tom Latham in the opening over itself. It was a tough chance, nonetheless.

When the score read 56, Bangladesh lost Miraz to Ferguson, followed by Najmul Hossain Shanto (7) to spinner Glenn Phillips.

Losing two wickets in a space of three balls was a body blow for Bangladesh, only for Shakib and Mushfiqur to take control for some time with a 96-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

However, Shakib appeared to be struggling in the hot and humid conditions here, taking a medical break before eventually being dismissed by Ferguson in the 30th over.

The pitch appeared to be assisting the pacers, and Ferguson looked to capitalise with his 'bowl short and quick' strategy.

Also, the strip utilised was different from the one that helped the spinners during the India-Australia contest on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Mushfiqur brought up his 48th ODI half-century and was cleverly attacking the loose deliveries, while spinners Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra bowled tight lines.

In the 36th over, pacer Matt Henry gave the Kiwis relief as he bowled Mushfiqur with a beautiful slower off-cutter that stayed low and uprooted the off-stump, leaving Bangladesh at 175 for six.

After losing the seventh wicket in Towhid Hridoy for 13, Mahmudullah and Taskin Ahmed (17) added 34 runs for the eighth wicket before the latter gave a catch to Daryl Mitchell off Santner.

While Mustafizur Rahman was the ninth man out in the 48th over, the final pair managed to bat out the remaining deliveries.

Ferguson took 3 for 49, while Boult grabbed 2 for 45, including his 200th ODI wicket. Meanwhile, Santner was the most economical of them all, finishing with figures of 1/31 in 10 overs.

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