Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain's composed 77 and Jaker Ali’s crucial 45 helped their side post a modest 236/9 against New Zealand in their ICC Champions Trophy Group A clash on Monday.
After being asked to bat first, Bangladesh got off to a steady start as Tanzid Hasan (24) and Najmulput up a 45-run opening stand.
However, wickets fell at regular intervals, with Michael Bracewell (4/26) and Will O’Rourke (2/48) making inroads into the batting order. The middle order crumbled under pressure, with Towhid Hridoy (7), Mushfiqur Rahim (2), and Mahmudullah (4) failing to provide stability.
Najmul, displaying patience and grit, anchored the innings with a 110-ball knock laced with nine boundaries. However, his dismissal in the 38th over left Bangladesh in trouble at 163/6.
Jaker Ali then took charge, forming crucial lower-order partnerships. His 55-ball 45, supported by Rishad Hossain’s quickfire 26 off 25, provided a late push to Bangladesh’s total.
Despite their efforts, Bangladesh’s scoring rate remained modest, hampered by disciplined bowling from New Zealand. Bracewell was the standout performer, while O’Rourke and Matt Henry (1/57) kept the pressure on.
Source: The Daily Sun
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