A sterling all-round performance from Shakib al Hasan ensured Bangladesh went 1-0 up in the five-match one-day international series with a nine-run victory against New Zealand at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
In a rain-shortened match that was reduced to 37 overs in the second innings, Shakib’s half-century backed by a four-wicket haul helped the Tigers to only their second win over the Black Caps.
Chasing 229 for victory, New Zealand’s resolute start — provided by Brendon McCullum’s 61 off 45 balls — was marred by the quick loss of wickets when play was stopped.
On resumption, the visitors required a further 125 runs from 22 overs but, despite some valiant batting from Ross Taylor, the Black Caps eventually fell short.
Batting first, the hosts made a solid start — openers Imrul Kayes and Shahriar Nafees putting on 34 — but some precise bowling from New Zealand meant wickets fell at regular intervals.
In the middle overs, as Raqibul Hasan (21) and Junaid Siddique (30) departed within five overs of each other, Shakib proved to be the saving grace for Bangladesh, his quickfire 58 off 51 deliveries coming at the right time.
And despite no partnership going beyond 39 for the hosts, Shakib held fort with some hard hitting — notching up eight boundaries in total — as Bangladesh were finally bundled out for 228.
For New Zealand, Kyle Mills bagged three wickets, including that of Shakib, while two wickets apiece from Daniel Vettori, Jesse Ryder and Andy McKay had helped restrict the hosts towards the latter overs.
In reply, McCullum’s explosive batting was in vain as wickets fell fairly cheaply after Shakib’s yorker clean bowled him in the 15th over.
And with New Zealand on 85 for four at the rain stoppage, the hosts’ bowling took on a new level, giving away just four boundaries following the restart.
Taylor served up a fightback, keeping the scoreboard ticking, but even his gutsy 42 off 56 balls was too little too late.
The visitors then faced the ignominy of needing 18 runs off the last over, which eventually yielded just eight, as Bangladesh wrapped up a much-deserved win.
* Press Association