Rawalpindi, Feb 24 (UNI) New Zealand spinners and disciplined pace bowling put Bangladesh on the back foot, restricting them to 236/9 in their allotted 50 overs in the Champions Trophy encounter here on Monday.
Michael Bracewell led the charge with a four-wicket haul, while William O'Rourke bagged two crucial scalps.
Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto anchored the innings with a well-compiled 77 off 110 balls, but the lack of support from the middle order hindered their progress. Rishad Hossain's late counterattack (26 off 25) helped Bangladesh push towards a respectable total.
Sent in to bat, Bangladesh got off to a promising start as Tanzid Hasan displayed aggressive intent. He pulled Kyle Jamieson for a six in the second over and followed it up with a boundary off the very next delivery. However, Bracewell struck in his first over, dismissing Tanzid for 24 as Kane Williamson pulled off a sharp catch.
Shanto took charge thereafter, finding boundaries at regular intervals. His 50-plus score (77 off 110) was the highest for a Bangladesh captain in ICC ODI tournaments since Shakib Al Hasan’s 82 against Sri Lanka in the 2023 World Cup.
Looks tough for Bangladesh as the pitch offers little assistance to the bowlers. It might be slightly slow, but it remains a good surface for batting. Conditions could improve further under lights. Bracewell’s brilliant spell dismantled the Bangladesh batting lineup, claiming four crucial wickets and putting New Zealand in firm control.
Bracewell wreaked havoc in the middle overs, removing Towhid Hridoy (7), Mushfiqur Rahim (2), and Mahmudullah (4) in quick succession. O’Rourke added to Bangladesh's woes, dismissing Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 13 and later breaking a key stand by sending back Shanto.
New Zealand’s spinners dictated terms, with Bracewell’s 4/26 placing him among the best Kiwi bowling figures in ICC ODI tournaments. His spell also featured the third-most dot balls (43) by a New Zealand spinner in Champions Trophy history.
Rishad and Jaker Ali attempted to revive the innings with a brisk 30-run stand, but Matt Henry and Jamieson struck at the death. Henry removed Rishad for 26, while a sharp piece of glovework by Tom Latham resulted in Jaker Ali’s run-out for 45. Taskin Ahmed’s late flourish was cut short by Jamieson, ensuring Bangladesh fell short of the 250-run mark.
New Zealand, who have never won an ODI in Rawalpindi, will look to chase down 237 comfortably and break their losing streak at the venue. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will rely on their spinners, particularly Rishad , to make early inroads.
Brief Scores
Bangladesh 236/9 in 50 overs (Najmul Hossain Shanto 77, Jaker Ali 45, Michael Bracewell 4/26, William O’Rourke 2/48) vs New Zealand.
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