In only his second ODI Shamsur Rahman Shuvo led the Tigers from the front with a mesmerising 96 as the others supported him well to successfully chase 308 runs and hand New Zealand another ‘Banglawash’ at Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium yesterday. Bangladesh won the third and final ODI by four wickets to clinch the three-match series 3-0.
The home side came in the game having the series already secured and another ‘Banglawash’ – a term that was born three years back when the Tigers defeated the same opponents 4-0 – was a distant hope at half-way through as Bangladesh, who were playing without Shakib al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal, two names that always contribute in big wins, were looking at a mammoth target.
It was the sheer determination and dedication that allowed Bangladesh land the win and register their second highest successful chase after the 313 runs against Zimbabwe in 2009. The win also extended Bangladesh’s winning streak to seven matches against New Zealand in over five years.
Bangladesh needed a good start and it was effectively provided by the new pair of Shamsur and Ziaur Rahman as the duo put on 61 runs in just under eight overs to set the momentum.
Both men looked confident as they hammered some lusty blows all over the park. Zia (22 off 20) struck two fours and equal sixes before he skied one at point. However, right-handed Shamsur maintained his rhythm with Mominul Haque (32) and added another 65 from 66 balls. Mominul’s soft dismissal, caught and bowled by Anton Devcich, was followed by Mushfiqur Rahim (two) out to a brilliant one-handed catch by Ross Taylor at short square-leg.
However, Shamsur stood tall from the other end as he went past his fifty and neared the magical three figures with a showcase of some brilliant strokeplay. Naeem Islam accompanied him accordingly as they recovered all bases in their 75-run stand which was broken with the dismissal of Shamsur. A thick-edge to the keeper stopped Shamsur’s valiant 107-ball innings just four runs away from his maiden hundred.
Meanwhile, Naeem once again contributed a valuable 63 as the Tigers were scoring along the asking rate and later it was up to Nasir Hossain, after a quite series so far, who returned to what he does best – finish the game.
Nasir’s 44 from 38 balls along with along with Sohag Gazi’s 11 not out saw the home side cruise to victory with four balls to spare.
Earlier, New Zealand rode on Taylor’s unbeaten 107 to post 305 for 5.
Taylor took full advantage of the life he received, a drop catch on 12 by Rubel Hossain off his own bowling in the 23rd over, as he clobbered nine boundaries and three sixes to take his team to a strong position.
Anton Devcich and Tom Latham added 66 runs to give the visitors a good start. However, Bangladesh vice-captain Mahmudullah dismissed Devich on 46 to get the Tigers back in the game. Within a span of three overs the Tigers got the second breakthrough as a hurried slog from Grant Elliot (3) off Abdur Razzak resulted in a top edge to Gazi at mid-on. Wicketkeeper-batsman Latham became the only victim of Rubel in the game after he was caught behind on 43 to turn the score to 101 for 3 in 21 overs.
Taylor and Colin Munro repaired the damage and established 130 runs for the fourth wicket to get them going. Murno was impressive and though he was unlucky not to make a hundred, as he returned for 85, Taylor made sure of registering his eighth ODI century.
