A full-house Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium erupted in celebrations as fast bowler Rubel Hossain completed his hat-trick, effectively killing the game as Bangladesh went on to beat New Zealand by 43 runs (D/L) in the first ODI of the three-match series.
Rubel, 23, did not only claim a hat-trick, but bagged 6-26, equalling by Bangladesh’s best bowling figures in ODI, to wash away any hopes for the Kiwis of winning the match.
Chasing a big total of 266 runs to win, the visitors were maintaining a steady pace, 82-3 in 20 overs, before rain suddenly poured at Mirpur.
Upon resumption, the D/L score was set at 206 to win from 33 overs, meaning New Zealand still needed 124 from 13 overs.
The tough task was made even tougher when Mushfiq introduced Rubel into the attack after the slow bowlers were ripped apart by Grant Elliot (71) and Corey Anderson (46).
It was a lovely running catch by Mashrafe bin Mortaza that completed Rubel’s six-for and Bangladesh win with the visitors bundled out for 162.
Earlier, it was skipper Mushfiqur Rahim and Naeem Islam who repaired an early damage in the Tigers’ innings, 25-3, with a majestic 154-run fourth wicket stand.
Naeem looked a bit rusty, but Mushfiq’s flurry of shots from the beginning allowed him to settle in before they both smashed boundaries all over the park.
However, both right-handers missed glorious opportunities of registering a century as Mushfiq made 90 (8 fours, 2 sixes) before Naeem was out on 84 (12 fours).
A late 30-ball 29 from Mahmudullah helped the Tigers reach a challenging total of 265 before they were bowled out with a ball left in their innings.
