Tigers stun Blackcaps

Bangladesh have stunned New Zealand to pick up a victory in their warm up match at Bridgetown. Mashrafe Mortaza struck 2 sixes from the penultimate over to go along side his 4 wicket hall, as the tigers got home with 2 wickets in hand. The match was a 13 a side game, which makes it difficult to assess how representative of the two teams form, the game is, but it will still provide a rude awakening for a New Zealand that was riding high after sweeping Australia 3-0 just two weeks ago. The result will also be a massive boost to the subcontinental minnows aspirations of making it through to the super 8 stage.

After winning the toss, and choosing to bat, New Zealand’s much celebrated top order, fell to peices in the face of Mashrafe Mortaza. Lou Vincent was bowled for 4, Ross Taylor departed for 11 and Peter Fulton was trapped in front for 3. Syed Rasel chipped in with the wicket of Stephen Fleming for a duck, as the Blackcap top order fell apart. Scott Styris was joined by the injury stricken Jacob Oram, and the pair led a mini recovery. However, Abdur Razzak arrived at the bowling crease, and promptly removed Styris for 26, and then the resurgent Craig McMillan for 5 to leave New Zealand struggling at 75 for 6.

The dismissal brought Brendon McCullum out to bat, and just as they have done so many times already this summer, he and Oram set about rescuing the kiwis. McCullum struck an effortless 46 off 54 balls, and Oram set about steadily accumulating. Neither looked troubled in constructing a partnership of 105, until McCullum was run out by a direct hit. But the departure did not unsettle Oram, who continued on his merry way striking 5 fours and one towering six. He finally holed out on 88, having guided New Zealand to 226. But despite Oram’s heroics, New Zealand failed to bat out the 50 overs.

In response Bangladesh started well, reaching 80 for 2 in 16 overs. However, they faultered as the innings progressed, losing wickets frequently. With 6 overs remaining 30 runs were required with 3 wickets in hand, and New Zealand claimed another to leave the Bangladesh looking likely to fall just short. However, with James Franklin bowling the last over, Mortaza completed his heroics to give Bangladesh their first win against New Zealand in 8 matches, with 7 balls to spare.

New Zealand 224
Jacob Oram 88, Brendon McCullum 46, Scott Styris 26
Abdur Razzak 4-26, Mashrafe Mortaza 4-44

Bangladesh won by 2 wickets

Bangladesh 230-8
Tamim Iqbal 46, Javed Omar 45, Mashrafe Mortaza 30*
Daniel Vettori 3-38, James Franklin 2-54