Shakib, Mahmudullah knock Kiwis out of Champions Trophy

TIL Desk Sports/ Bangladesh cricket, Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah struck brilliant centuries to not only bring their team out of the hot water, but also register a thumping five-wicket win in their final Champions Trophy Group A fixture against New Zealand, thus knocking the latter out of the tournament here at Sophia Gardens on Friday.

Chasing a target of 267 runs in a must-win clash, Bangladesh made what could be described as a worst start to their innings as they lost their first four wickets-Tamim Iqbal (0), Soumya Sarkar (three), Sabbir Rahman (eight), Mushfiqur Rahim (14)– inside 33 runs.

However, Shakib and Mahmudullah staged a spirited fight back as they shared a massive 178-run partnership for the fourth wicket to guide Bangladesh past the target with 16 balls to spare.

While Shakib smashed 11 boundaries and a six in his 114-run knock, Mahmudullah notched up eight boundaries and two sixes in his unbeaten run of 102. Tim Southee was the most economical bowler for New Zealand as he finished with the figures of three for 45 while Trent Boult and Adam Milne bagged a wicket each.