Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah both made superb centuries as Bangladesh completed a stunning five-wicket win over New Zealand on Friday that kept alive their hopes of reaching the Champions Trophy semi-finals.
Bangladesh collapsed to 33-4 chasing a modest 265 for victory after Tim Southee removed their top three batsmen.
But left-hander Shakib (114) and Mahmudullah (102) turned the tide with a stand of 224 – Bangladesh’s highest one-day international partnership for any wicket – thus ending New Zealand’s bid to reach the last four.
Now Bangladesh must hope that tournament hosts England beat Australia in the final Group A match at Edgbaston on Saturday if they are to go through to the semi-finals.
A win for Australia would see them join England in the last four and knock out Bangladesh. A no-result would also be enough for Bangladesh to progress.
“I think the best part was we did not talk too much,” Mahmudullah said.
“We were just batting and just wanted to be positive. Early on it was swinging. Once it stopped swinging, it was easier to bat on.
“Shakib and me just wanted to hit the gaps and put the bad balls away.
Man of the match Shakib added: “As Mahmudullah said, we did not talk.
“We didn’t talk about the target, we just wanted to bat for 40 overs and see where we got to. It’s very important, and a big thing for us.
“Winning a match in a ICC tournament is a big thing. From hereon, we can only go forward.”
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson was magnanimous in defeat.
“It was certainly an innings of two halves,” he said. “Hats off to Shakib and Mahmudullah. They batted simply superbly. They outplayed us throughout their partnership and now they have every chance of going through.
“Our best game was one [rained off] we weren’t able to finish against Australia.
“It is a cut throat tournament. You have three games and you have to make the most of it.
“Today it is one partnership and we are going home.”
* Agencies
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