Junaed, Mashrafe script Bangladesh’s maiden win over Kiwis

DHAKA, Oct 9: Junaed Siddique and Mashrafe Mortaza scripted Bangladesh’s first-ever victory over New Zealand in one-day cricket with a comfortable seven-wicket win in the opening match on Thursday.

Left-hander Junaed scored a brilliant 85 for his maiden half-century to anchor his team’s successful chase of a 202-run target in 45.3 overs at Shere Bangla National Stadium after paceman Mashrafe took 4-44 to jolt the tourists.

Mohammad Ashraful notched a return-to-form 60 not out to guide Bangladesh to their first win over the Black Caps in 12 one-dayers, as the home team skipper and Junaed added 109 for the third wicket to upset their formidable opponents.

Ashraful was full of praise for his team’s effort.

“I am happy that we played as a unit,” said the Bangladeshi skipper. “I am elated that its the first win against New Zealand and first against a major country under my captaincy,” said Ashraful, who took over last year.

Visiting skipper Daniel Vettori said Bangladesh deserved the win.

“We knew they are a good side with some quality individuals. The conditions were favourable for bowling in the morning but there are no excuses,” said Vettori.

Mashrafe and left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak (3-32) set up the sensational win by restricting New Zealand to 201-9 in their 50 overs.

Jacob Oram top-scored with a solid 57 and added 70 runs for the seventh wicket with Vettori (30) but that was not enough for New Zealand to avoid their lowest one-day total against Bangladesh.

Their previous lowest total against Bangladesh was 224 at Chittagong in 2004.

Bangladesh lost opener Tamim Iqbal (12) early but Junaed and Mushfiqur Rahim (30) added 67 for the second wicket before Ashraful sealed the fate of the match.

Junaed hit eight boundaries during his 139-ball knock while Ashraful hit five boundaries and a six in his rapid 56-ball innings.

In the morning it was Mashrafe who jolted the New Zealand top order after Bangladesh won the toss and elected to field.

Mashrafe was brilliantly supported by Razzak as both grabbed five of the first six wickets to fall after New Zealand raced to a solid start of 47 through Jesse Ryder (34) and Brendon McCullum (14).

Bangladesh derailed the tourists once Mashrafe dismissed McCullum in the ninth over as five more wickets fell in the space of just 32 runs.

Mashrafe dismissed Ryder and Jamie How (seven) in his first spell and returned for his second to dismiss Kyle Mills (16).

Razzak kept the pressure up by dismissing Scott Styris (four) and Daniel Flynn (six) before the Oram-Vettori repair work.

The result shatters New Zealand’s dreams of regaining second spot in the one-day rankings against a Bangladesh side who faced an uphill task after 14 of their frontline players defected to a rebel Indian league last month.

The second match will be played at the same venue on Saturday, while the final match is at Chittagong on Tuesday.

Scoreboard

NEW ZEALAND:

J.D. Ryder c Mahmud b Mashrafe 34

B.B. McCullum c Rasel b Mashrafe 14

J.M. How lbw b Mashrafe 7

L.R.P.L. Taylor c Ashraful b Shahadat 2

S.B. Styris lbw b Razzak 4

D.R. Flynn c Mahmud b Razzak 6

J.D.P. Oram c Rasel b Razzak 57

D.L. Vettori c Naeem b Shakib 30

K.D. Mills c Shahadat b Mashrafe 16