Highlights ICC Champions Trophy 2017, New Zealand vs Bangladesh cricket result: Tigers pull off stunning win, knock out Kiwis

Shakib Al Hasan, for obvious reasons, has been adjudged the Man of the Match.  Though there was room for a Men of the Match award.

Mahmudullah becomes the first Bangladeshi player to score atleast a century in World Cup and ICC Champions Trophy.

This is now the second most runs (224 by Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah) added by a pair after their team lost first four wkts inside 50 runs in an ODI.The record is of 226 runs by Ravi Bopara and Eoin Morgan in 2013 against Ireland at (Dublin).

Two Bangladesh batsmen scoring a century in an ODI:

Tamim Iqbal & Mushfiqur Rahim v Pakistan, Mirpur, 2015 
Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah v NZ, Cardiff, 2017

Congratulations to Bangladesh - chasing down 266 for victory in Cardiff. Shakib 114 & Mahmudullah 102* the heroes #NZvBAN #CT17 ^WN pic.twitter.com/jgnPWc2ITn

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 9, 2017

New Zealand’s worst fears have come true. When Bangladesh lost its fourth wicket for 33, a defeat was beyond the realms of possibility. Although the Kiwis ran into two terrific displays with the bat, could they have done something differently? It needs to be said that New Zealand’s players took their foot off the pedal in the middle overs. The intensity which brought them early wickets went missing. As Shakib al Hasan and Mahmudullah got comfortable, the Kiwis looked clueless and flat. Thereafter, they found it difficult to force their way back into the match. One should also stress that New Zealand did not score enough runs. Their batting during the slog overs in this tournament requires an examination which the Kiwis will certainly undertake in the aftermath of this defeat. New Zealand’s Champions Trophy campaign is over and they will not be missed.

From being 33/4 to win the match by five wickets, this truly has been a spectacular win. Tim Southee had dismantled their top order. Tamim Iqbal, their best batsman of the tournament, was dismissed for a duck. But that didn’t deter them. Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah will go down in history books for scripting one of the best ODI comebacks.

Highest fifth wicket stands in ODIs:

256* – David Miller/ JP Duminy v Zimbabwe, 2015
226* – Eoin Morgan/ Ravi Bopara v Ireland, 2013
224 – SHAKIB AL HASAN/ MAHMUDULLAH v New Zealand, 2017*

Bangladesh pull off a stunning win against New Zealand and knock them out of the tournament. The winning runs came off Mosaddek’s blade as he edget it to third man.

After 47 overs,Bangladesh 264/5 ( Mahmudullah 102 , Mosaddek Hossain 3)

FOUR! FOUR! You go to mid on, you can to to covers. Shakib is toying with Boult now. But the Kiwi dismisses him. CENTURY! Mahmudullah gets to his ton with a boundary.

OUT! Shakib was eyeing to finish the game quickly but lost his wicket in a process.  Bit too late for New Zealand. He gave himself room and looked to drive over covers but misses the ball completely to hear the rattling of his stumps. Nonetheless what a top knock this has been. Boult too applauds it as Shakib walks back.

After 46 overs,Bangladesh 249/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 106 , Mahmudullah 98)

Shakib jams the first ball towards leg and hints to his partner that it is reversing. He takes a single on the second ball. A leg by allows Shakib to come back on the strike on the fourth ball. SIX and CENTURY! Shakib looks to pull but top edges it over fine leg for a maximum. He won’t mind that though. What a remarkable hundred this has been. Once again, he retains the strike on the last ball.

All time best partnership for Bangladesh in ODI cricket between Shakib and Mahmudullah. What a time to do it! From 33/4 they are now cruising to knock New Zealand out of the tournament. There is no panic in the middle whatsoever. Both nearing their tons. They are just playing risk-free cricket. Bangladesh nearing a memorable victory.

Pairs to add 200-plus runs after their teams lost first four wickets inside 50 runs in ODIs:

Ravi Bopara/Eoin Morgan v Ireland, Dublin, 2013
SHAKIB AL HASAN/MAHMUDULLAH v New Zealand, Cardiff, 2017*

After 45 overs,Bangladesh 240/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 98 , Mahmudullah 98)

200-run stand comes up between Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah on the first ball. Boult strays and bowls a leg side wide. Mahmudullah collects a single behind point on the second ball. FOUR! Shakib gives himself room and lofts it over mid off for a boundary. Shakib goes for a pull on the fourth ball but misses it altogether. He plays a similar shot on the fifth ball only to miss it. Needless shots but Shakib wants to finish it early. He pulls the last ball to square leg to retain strike. He and Mahmudullah are two runs away from a century.

After 44 overs,Bangladesh 232/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 92 , Mahmudullah 97)

Shakib pulls the first ball, which is short, to fine leg for a single. FOUR! Short from Neesham again and Mahmudullah upper cuts it over the keeper for a boundary. Great execution. He fails to score a run off the next two balls. However, he guides the next ball behind point to collect a single. Neesham pitches it up and Shakib clips it to mid on for another run. Bangladesh need 34 off 36 balls.

After 43 overs,Bangladesh 225/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 90 , Mahmudullah 92)

Southee, clearly under pressure, initiates his over with two wides. The next four balls go like this: 0, 1, 1, 1. FOUR! Shakib hammers it through covers for a boundary and takes a single off the last ball to retain strike. 11 off the over. Bangladesh need 41 off 42 balls.

After 42 overs,Bangladesh 215/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 84 , Mahmudullah 90)

FOUR! Mahmudullah gets low and slams Santner down the ground for a boundary. After bowling a dot, Santner bowls a WIDE! Mahmudullah clips it through midwicket and collects a couple. Once again, he punches it through the same area and gets the same result. Ball five: Mahmudullah cuts it uppishly but the ball falls short of the point fielder. Mahmudullah collects a single off the last ball.

This is now the highest partnership (Shakib Al Hasan-Mahmudullah) for Bangladesh in ODIs. The previous most was of 178 between Mushfiqur Rahim and Tamim Iqbal came at Dhaka in 2015.

After 41 overs,Bangladesh 205/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 84 , Mahmudullah 81)

Southee comes back. The ball is not swinging any more. Can he make an impact? 1 run comes off the first two balls. Shakib uses his feet and powers the third ball through covers for a boundary. The over ends with two singles and a brace.

Brendon McCullum was in the commentary box a while ago, suggesting plans for New Zealand to take wickets. Unfortunately, Kane Williamson does not seem to be wise to his ideas. It’s very easy for Bangladesh at the moment. As a final roll of dice, Tim Southee should be brought back now. He took three of the four wickets to fall and his control tightened a noose around Bangladesh’s neck in the early stages of this innings. A first-round exit is staring the Kiwis in their face.

After 40 overs,Bangladesh 196/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 79 , Mahmudullah 77)

Two singles and two braces off Santner’s 9th over. Bangladesh need 70 off 60 balls.

This is now the highest partnership (Shakib Al Hasan-Mahmudullah) for Bangladesh against New Zealand in ODIs. The previous most was of 154 between Mushfiqur Rahim and Naeem Islam at Dhaka in 2013. ​

After 39 overs,Bangladesh 190/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 76 , Mahmudullah 74)

Milne bowls a leg cutter first up, Mahmudullah cuts it to point. Anothert attempted leg cutter goes past the wide line. WIDE! Mahmudullah takes a single to mid on for a single. Shakib pulls it to through midwicket for another run. Milne bowls three precious dots to end the over.

After 38 overs,Bangladesh 187/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 75 , Mahmudullah 73)

The required run rate is 6.58 and Bangladesh’s run rate is almost 5. They are a couple of bad balls away from closing down that margin. So, they milk only four singles off Santner’s 8th over.

This is the first 150-plus partnership (Shakib Al Hasan-Mahmudullah) for Bangladesh for the fifth or lower wicket in ODIs.

What a recovery this has been! Both Shakib and Mahmudullah have batted very sensibly so far. But job is not done yet. Bangladesh have a long tail and this partnership needs to continue. After them there is only Mosaddek Hossain left in the change room, whom we can term as a proper batsman. Bangladesh need below 100 now. The excitement is building in the stands and in the press box.

After 37 overs,Bangladesh 183/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 73 , Mahmudullah 71)

Bangladesh in cruise control at the moment. However, they are playing with a lt of risk. Mahmudullah looks to pull one but gets a top edge over the keeper. He then cuts the next one powerfully over the point fielder for a couple. The 150 stand comes up. 10 runs off the over.

After 36 overs,Bangladesh 173/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 71 , Mahmudullah 64)

A decent over from Santner but NZ don’t just need to contain runs here but also take wickets. Breaking this partnership is crucial. Just 4 runs off the over. Bangladesh, on the other hand, need a sensible approach from here on.

After 35 overs,Bangladesh 169/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 68 , Mahmudullah 63)

In the last three to four overs, these two have slowed down the tempo perhaps realising that a wicket here could undo all the hard work. They scores just five runs and Boult gifts them an extra run.

After 34 overs,Bangladesh 163/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 65 , Mahmudullah 61)

Santner comes back into the attack. He outthinks Mahmudullah on the first three balls. But Mahmudullah drives it through covers for a single. Shakib too returns the favour on the fifth ball. Mahmudullah cuts the sixth ball to point for another run.

Strange decision by Williamson to bring himself on to bowl. Mitchell Santner was delivering quite a few dot balls and rarely allowed a cheap run. Now, the skipper finds himself searching wickets. But he cannot overbowl any of his three main pacers. They have a combined 10 overs left. By trying to compensate for Neesham and Anderson in advance, Williamson may have let Bangladesh get into a winning position. This is worrisome for the Kiwis.

After 33 overs,Bangladesh 160/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 64 , Mahmudullah 59)

Trent Boult continues. And Bangladesh avoid taking any risks against him. Happy with two singles.

After 32 overs,Bangladesh 158/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 63 , Mahmudullah 58)

Williamson continues. Shakib hits the first ball back towards the bowler. He takes a single off the second ball. SIX! Mahmudullah dances down the track and smacks Kane over long on. He quickly brings Shakib on strike, who slams the fifth ball down the ground for a boundary. Shakib retains the strike. Bangladesh need 108 runs off 108 balls. Is it possible? Yes, I would go onto say that the match is now Bangladesh’s to lose.

This is the first time in ICC Champions Trophy that a pair (Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah) has added 100-plus runs for the fifth wicket after their team lost first four wickets adding less than 50 runs.

After 31 overs,Bangladesh 145/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 57 , Mahmudullah 51)

Trent Boult comes back for a burst. Shakib and Mahmudullah are experienced enough to realise that he has been brought into the attack for a wicket. So they just milk four singles and a double. FIFTY comes up for Mahmudullah off the last ball, it is his 18th half century and what a time to bring it.

After 30 overs,Bangladesh 139/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 55 , Mahmudullah 47)

Kane Williamson introduces himself into the attack. We saw this happen yesterday with India when Kohli came into the attack. Is the game drifting away from New Zealand? Maybe. Maybe not. But they certainly need to break this stand. 6 runs off Williamson’s 1st over.

This is the third century partnership between Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah which is the joint second most by any Bangladesh pair in ODIs.

After 29 overs,Bangladesh 133/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 50 , Mahmudullah 46)

Milne tests Mahmudullah with constant change in pace and lengths. The result of which Mahmudullah faces four dots. Two singles are taken off the last ball which makes this an eventful over. First of all, Shakib Al Hasan brought up his 35th ODI half century and the 100-run stand too came up between off 107 balls between these two.

This is not in dangerous territory yet for New Zealand but Williamson must have been disappointed by Neesham and Anderson’s obsession with bowling short. That plan allowed Bangladesh to fetch some easy runs, so the Kiwis want a wicket now. The choice, it seems, is simple. Williamson goes to the man who has taken the most wickets for his side in this competition – Adam Milne.

After 28 overs,Bangladesh 130/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 49 , Mahmudullah 45)

Santner in an attempt to try something extra and errs to leak extra runs. He conceded five singles and bowled a legside wide which went for for a boundary. Eleven runs off it.

After 27 overs,Bangladesh 120/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 47 , Mahmudullah 42)

Milne comes back and bowls an expensive over. He first gives away two singles and a couple off his first three balls. Then Mahmudullah drives it through covers for a boundary. A single is taken off the last ball. 9 runs off it.

After 26 overs,Bangladesh 111/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 46 , Mahmudullah 34)

Another tidy over by Santner. Only 2 off it.

After 25 overs,Bangladesh 109/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 45 , Mahmudullah 33)

For some reason, New Zealand are bowling far too many short balls. The other day at Cardiff England bowled those lovely back of a length cross seamers and defeated New Zealand, the Kiwis are trying to replicate that, albeit unsuccessfully. FOUR! Shakib pulls the shortish ball through midwicket. The southpaw takes a single on the third ball. Mahmudullah is trying to be overdo things, last over he tried to scoop Santner, now he attempted a ramp shot. It is important for Bangladesh to not lose a wicket now.

After 24 overs,Bangladesh 104/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 40 , Mahmudullah 33)

Shakib tucks one to square leg and takes a single on the first ball. However, Mahmudullah fails to rotate the strike in the remainder of the over.

Australia will be eliminated now if their tomorrow’s match against England gets washed out because we will have a result now in the ongoing match between New Zealand and Bangladesh as 20 overs have been bowled already.

After 23 overs,Bangladesh 103/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 39 , Mahmudullah 33)

Shakib cuts the first ball over point for a single. Anderson bounces Mahmudullah again and he pulls it to fine leg for a boundary. The third and fourth ball are singles too. Mahmudullah cuts the fifth ball through point for another run. Intelligent batting, they rotate the strike after the boundary. The last ball too goes for a run.

After 22 overs,Bangladesh 94/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 36 , Mahmudullah 27)

With Shakib settled and Mahmudullah looking confident, Bangladesh have halted New Zealand’s charge. Four runs come off Santner’s over.

Luke Ronchi becomes the third New Zealand wicket-keeper to take 100 catches in ODIs after Brendon McCullum and Adam Parore.

A much needed resistance from these two experience Bangladesh cricketers. Something to cheer for the Bangladesh supporters in the stands. The wicket seems to have eased down and pacers are not getting the same amount sideways movement, which Southee and Boult were extracting earlier. Still long way to go for Bangladesh but asking rate is manageable. Both Shakib and Mahmudullah have to stay at the crease as long as possible, to make this match interesting.

Batting has become easier now as the ball gets older. New Zealand’s early advantage means that the focus should be on limiting runs and creating pressure through dot balls. It was a surprise to see that James Neesham was handed the ball ahead of Corey Anderson. As New Zealand try to quell any hopes of a Bangladeshi comeback, now Mitchell Santner and Anderson will try to restrict their accomplished batsmen.

After 21 overs,Bangladesh 90/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 34 , Mahmudullah 25)

As expected, Neesham is taken off the attack and Anderson is introduced. He concedes a single and two braces off his first over.

After 20 overs,Bangladesh 85/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 30 , Mahmudullah 24)

Spin for the first time in Bangladesh’s innings. Bangladesh are watchful in Santner’s first over and are happy with three runs.

After 19 overs,Bangladesh 82/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 28 , Mahmudullah 23)

SIX! Mahmudullah comes down the ground and pulls Neesham over square leg.  FOUR! And again. This time he swivels across and pulls it behind square. 13 runs off the over.  Bangladesh are targeting Neesham.

After 18 overs,Bangladesh 69/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 27 , Mahmudullah 12)

Milne gave only one run in his first four balls but Shakib drives the fifth ball past mid off for a boundary. He retains the strike on the sixth ball.

After 17 overs,Bangladesh 63/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 22 , Mahmudullah 11)

Neesham’s 2nd over: 0, 1, 0, 0, 1, 2.

After 16 overs,New Zealand 87/2 ( Kane Williamson (C) 26 , Ross Taylor 11)

Mahmudullah starts Milne’s over with a single to third man. Shakib again defends two balls before pulling the fourth to the midwicket fence. He follows it up with a single. 6 off the over.

After 15 overs,Bangladesh 53/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 14 , Mahmudullah 9)

Back after drinks. What would be Bangladesh’s approach? Shakib is someone who likes to be aggressive even in difficult situations. With the lesser bowlers coming on now, can expect him to change gears. Bangladesh milk singles off the first two balls. Shakib doesn’t score a single run off the next three balls but finishes the over with a boundary to covers.

Bangladesh’s top-four batsmen added only 25 runs today which is the lowest by them since January, 2012. Last time their top-four added less than 25 runs in an innings was in 2011 against Pakistan at Dhaka when they added only 18 runs.

After 14 overs,Bangladesh 47/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 9 , Mahmudullah 8)

Milne continues. Starts with three dots ball to Shakib and on the fourth Shakib attempts a risky single which almost runs him out. Mahmudullah takes a brace off the sixth ball. Time for drinks.

After 13 overs,Bangladesh 44/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 8 , Mahmudullah 6)

This is great commitment from Tim Southee. His captain wants him to have a last go and he is going to deliver. FOUR! Shakib punches it through the off side on the second ball. he takes a single on the fourth. FOUR! Mahmudullah finishes the over with a boundary to midwicket.

If the relentless pressure exerted by Southee and Boult was not enough, Milne has dished out another blow to Bangladesh. His ultra-quick deliveries are going to zip off this juicy track and a confused Mushfiqur Rahim has been sent packing. First, there was the swing and seam movement which was best exploited by Southee. Now, there’s still assistance from the surface for the bowlers. Bangladesh could be shot out for an incredibly low score today.

After 12 overs,Bangladesh 35/4 ( Shakib Al Hasan 3 , Mahmudullah 2)

A ball after being pulled away for a boundary, Milne bounces back to castle Mushfiqur Rahim. It could be early curtains for Bangladesh today.

New Zealand bowled 48 dot balls in first 10 overs. Tim Southee bowled 28 dot balls out of his first six overs while Trent Boult bowled 24 dot balls from his first five overs today.

OUT! Mushfiqur Rahim was on the back foot since he arrived at the crease resulting to which Milne bowls a quick full delivery on the sticks and it goes through the batsman’s defence. Bangladesh lose their fourth wicket. Mahmudullah is the new man in.

After 10 overs,Bangladesh 24/3 ( Mushfiqur Rahim (W) 8 , Shakib Al Hasan 2)

DROPPED! A genuine edge of Rahim goes to Ross Taylor at first slip but he puts it down and the ball rolls away for a boundary. Bangladesh have scored at a run rate of 2.4 in the powerplay overs. What essentially was a 266 chase has now become a 300-310 chase.

After 9 overs,Bangladesh 20/3 ( Mushfiqur Rahim (W) 4 , Shakib Al Hasan 2)

Southee to bowl his fourth over. Bangladesh are not attempting any risky shots against him, 2 runs off it.

After 8 overs,Bangladesh 18/3 ( Mushfiqur Rahim (W) 3 , Shakib Al Hasan 1)

Boult’s fourth over: 0, Wide, 0, 1, 0, 0, 1.

After 7 overs,Bangladesh 15/3 ( Mushfiqur Rahim (W) 2 , Shakib Al Hasan 0)

Dot balls stacking up. Five of them in this over. But they don’t matter currently, survival does. One single off the over.

After 6 overs,Bangladesh 14/3 ( Mushfiqur Rahim (W) 1 , Shakib Al Hasan 0)

It has been six overs and Bangladesh are yet to comprehend the conditions. Another wicket and it could be early curtains for them. A big partnership is what they require right now. Can these two provide that?

After 5 overs,Bangladesh 12/3 ( Mushfiqur Rahim (W) 0 , Shakib Al Hasan 0)

It is easier said than done that Bangladesh need to see out Tim Southee’s opening spell. He has already taken three wickets. His third over was a maiden.

Currently Bangladesh batsmen do not have any clue of the movement the New Zealand new ball bowlers are getting. The wickets of Sabbir, Soumya and most importantly Tamim have completely pushed them on the backfoot. Both Southee and Boult are all over Bangladesh now. It is time for the Shakib-Mushfiqur pair to play out the next 10-12 overs. The sideways movement is expected to die down after this initial period.

Tim Southee has now taken 38 wickets in ICC ODI tournaments which is the fourth most by any New Zealand player.

OUT! Southee is ripping apart Bangaldesh’s top order here. He traps Sarkar LBW, who doesn’t even bother to have discussion with Rahim regarding DRS. And he was quite right. Shakib Al Hasan arrives at the centre.

New Zealand’s 2015 World Cup campaign was built on their bowlers’s brilliance in the initial overs. Early wickets became a familiar scene for the Kiwis. Southee’s bowling at the moment seems to be a throwback to those happy days. His ball left an uncertain Sabbir Rahman hanging, but not before it took a thin edge. Huge inroads have been made by the Kiwis already. It must not be enjoyable to bat out there right now.

After 4 overs,Bangladesh 12/2 ( Soumya Sarkar 3 , Mushfiqur Rahim (W) 0)

Edged! Boult angles a length ball which rises and Sarkar gloves it. Guptill dives ahead from second slip and catches. Though he is not claiming it. The umpire go upstairs and suggest the onfield decision is not out. The replays suggest the same as it shows that he had grassed it. One run off the over.

After 2 overs,Bangladesh 9/1 ( Soumya Sarkar 1 , Sabbir Rahman 8)

Another outstanding over from Tim Southee. Sabbir Rahman was counter attacking him but lost his wicket in the process. With two wickets already lost and the ball swinging around, the onus to weather the early challenge will now be on Mushfiqur Rahim.

OUT! When its swinging, Southee becomes threatening and there is a reason why. He steams in and lands it on a length and gets it to move away just a wee bit, enough to induce an edge off Sabbir and dismiss him. Bangladesh are two down already. Mushfiqur Rahim walks in at No 4.

After 2 overs,Bangladesh 9/1 ( Soumya Sarkar 1 , Sabbir Rahman 8)

Beauty first up from Trent Boult! He pitches it on off and swings it away from Sarkar, unplayable delivery really. Sarkar instantly gets off the strike on th second ball. Rahman defends Boult carefully on the next two balls. Another jaffa from the Kiwi. Bowls a back of a length delivery and nips it back in, it takes Sabbir’s inside edge and hits him on the stomach. It is swinging.

Tim Southee has spoken about his struggles with swinging the white ball they use in limited overs cricket nowadays. But he gets only his second delivery to move a bit and he has the big scalp of in-form Tamim Iqbal. After the manner in which New Zealand finished the first innings, this is a major boost.

After 1 overs,Bangladesh 8/1 ( Soumya Sarkar 0 , Sabbir Rahman 8)

What an over this has been. Southee got rid of the danger man which might put Bangladesh in a defensive mode. Oh, I am wrong. Sabbir is in a different mood altogether. First he tickles Southee to the fine leg fence then follows it up with a cover drive to fetcth two boundaries in a row.

OUT! BIG WICKET! Southee angles in a length ball and shapes it back in as Tamim fails to clip it. The ball pings him in front and umpire raises the finger. Tamim reviews unsuccessfully. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Tamim carried Bangladesh’s  batting in the first two matches of Champions Trophy. Someone else will have to step up today. Sabbir Rahman walks in at No 4.

Tamim Iqbal’s batting average of 59.53 post ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 in ODIs is the second highest among all the openers who have at least scored 500 runs. It is important for him to give Bangladesh a decent start today.

The players are back on the field. Some last minute words from the captain. Tamim and Sarkar to open. Southee will start the proceedings for New Zealand.

Only 62 runs in the final 10 overs for the Kiwis. Only five boundaries were hit during that phase. Bangladesh bowlers have dragged the match back. They bowled full, they bowled accurately. However, this wicket is not exactly a batting paradise and New Zealand have an impressive pace attack. So, the onus is on the Bangladesh batters to make most of this lifeline which the bowlers have provided to them. Remember, it is this venue where Bangladesh chased down 250 against Australia back in 2005. Will history be repeated? Well, this Bangladesh batting has the potential to chase this down.

Bangladesh have successfully chased down a target of 250-plus only once in ICC tournaments. Overall, they have done it only eight times.

Oh, New Zealand. Just 62 runs arrived in the final 10 overs. The Kiwis’s batting at the death has been a concern and it has once again hurt them. If you are looking for a silver lining, for the first time a New Zealand batsmen below number four scored more than 18 runs in this tournament. In fact, there were two of them – Neil Broom and James Neesham. But when the time to accelerate came, they fell by the wayside like their teammates. The result is a target of 266, which is below par one suspects. But the Kiwis pace attack may have something to say about that.

Mosaddek Hossain’s bowling figures of 3 for 13 today is the best by a Bangladeshi bowler in ICC Champions Trophy. The previous best was 3 for 18 by Shakib Al Hasan against Zimbabwe at Jaipur in 2006.

New Zealand end on 265/8 after electing to bat first.  A lot of Bangladesh supporters applaud as the Bangladesh fielders walk off the field. A collective bowling performance and astute captaincy has provided  an excellent chance to defeat the Kiwis.

After 49 overs,New Zealand 257/8 ( Mitchell Santner 11 , Tim Southee 5)

Mosaddek Hossain has bowled so well that Mustafizur Rahman only got 9 overs. Their death bowling has been top notch. FOUR! The first boundary in nearly 6 overs as Southee flicks one to square leg. A wicket and 7 runs off it.

OUT! Mustafizur delivers an unplayable yorker to Milne and he totally fails to comprehend it.. He perishes for 7

After 48 overs,New Zealand 250/7 ( Mitchell Santner 11 , Adam Milne 5)

Rubel bowls yorkers at will and continues to put brakes on New Zealand’s scoring. Bangladesh should try and restrict Kiwis under 270 after this over which allowed only 3 runs.

After 47 overs,New Zealand 247/7 ( Mitchell Santner 9 , Adam Milne 4)

Mortaza finishes his quota of 10 overs as New Zealand continue to struggle to find the fence. 7 runs off the 10th over. Mortaza’s figures: 10-1-45-0.

An excellent phase of play for Bangladesh. From 201 for 3, New Zealand have collapsed to 240 for 7. Mosaddek’s off-spin has done the trick. Three useful breakthroughs for him in quick time. Especially the wickets of Anderson and a set Neesham can be crucial in the context of the match. Bangladesh now can hope to restrict the Kiwis below 270.

After 46 overs,New Zealand 240/7 ( Mitchell Santner 7 , )

The Kiwis are not just able to find those odd boundaries. They score a three and two singles off the first five balls**.** OUT! New Zealand are collapsing for the third time in this Champions Trophy. Neesham comes down the track to go over long off but misses the ball completely. Mustfiqur stumps him.

After 45 overs,New Zealand 235/6 ( Jimmy Neesham 22 , Mitchell Santner 3)

Mortaza comes into the attack and keeps the pressure on New Zealand by bowling a disciplined over. Only 4 runs off it.

After 44 overs,New Zealand 231/6 ( Jimmy Neesham 20 , Mitchell Santner 1)

The gamble to introduce Mosaddek has worked wonders for Bangladesh. His two wickets in one over could be the match changing moment.

Double blow for New Zealand. Neil Broom tried to accelerate but could only edge it in the air. Corey Anderson’s departure must hurt the Kiwis more as his poor form continues. Before this match, the left-hander’s ODI average since the 2015 World Cup was 14.69. It is obvious why James Neesham bats ahead of him now. Thankfully for New Zealand, Neesham has begun well. But it will take quite something from here to reach a score in the excess of 270.

OUT! Mosaddek has possibly changed the course of the match for Bangladesh. He traps Corey Anderson LBW for a golden duck. He has struck twice within three balls. Mitchell Santner is the No 8 batsman.

OUT! Broom in an attempt to accelerate loses his wicket. He top edges his attempted heave to short third man. Corey Anderson is the new man in.

After 43 overs,New Zealand 228/4 ( Neil Broom 36 , Jimmy Neesham 18)

New Zealand pinch two singles off the first two balls. FOUR! Rubel bounces Neesham and the southpaw pulls it through midwicket. FOUR! Back to back boundaries! This time Neesham drives it down the ground. The Kiwis end Rubel’s 8th over just like they had begun it like: with two ones.

After 42 overs,New Zealand 216/4 ( Neil Broom 34 , Jimmy Neesham 8)

Interesting and a risky move! Mosaddek Hossain comes into the attack. However, he bowls a tidy over. Only five singles off it.

After 41 overs,New Zealand 211/4 ( Neil Broom 32 , Jimmy Neesham 5)

Rubel starts his seventh over with two dots. But then Broom takes a couple and single off the next balls. FOUR! A welcome boundary for New Zealand as Neesham guides one past the keeper. He retains the strike on the sixth ball.

Ross Taylor has scored 148 runs in this ICC Champions Trophy at a strike rate of 74.37. He has played 101 dot balls out of 199 in the ongoing tournament.

New Zealand is in familiar territory now. Ross Taylor needed to stick around till the end but an ill-advised scoop ensured his dismissal. Jimmy Neesham is out to bat and this is where the chink lies in New Zealand’s armour. None of its all-rounders have excelled in this tournament with the bat. These are good batting conditions and anything less than 280 will leave the Kiwis worried. On the positive side, Neil Broom is looking in good nick.

After 40 overs,New Zealand 203/4 ( Neil Broom 29 , Jimmy Neesham 0)

Mustafizur bowling at it his best. Concedes only 1 run off the bat in his 8th over and bowls a wide. 2 runs from the over.

After 39 overs,New Zealand 201/4 ( Neil Broom 28 , Jimmy Neesham 0)

Taskin brings Bangladesh back into the game by getting rid of Ross Taylor. The news batsman will take his time to settle and Broom too will have to play cautiously now. Interesting passage of play to follow.

OUT! Taskin strikes! Taylor premeditates and goes for a scoop. Seeing that, Taskin slows down his pace and Ross miscues it to Mustafizur at short fine leg. James Neesham saunters out in the middle.

After 38 overs,New Zealand 198/3 ( Ross Taylor 61 , Neil Broom 27)

Mustafizur has bowling his cutters and bowls a decent over, 6 runs off it.

It is bright and sunny in Cardiff and New Zealand are just running away with the game. The wicket of Williamson might have given Bangladesh some hope but both Taylor and Broom seem to have complete authority over the proceedings. Shakib, however has completed a good spell.

In the final half of the innings, the Tigers need to pull up their socks. They should try to restrict the Kiwis under 300, which looks like a tough ask for me.

After 37 overs,New Zealand 192/3 ( Ross Taylor 58 , Neil Broom 25)

Taskin bowls an expensive over, 11 off it. His first  ball went for a FOUR through point. Broom immediately takes a single on the second ball. FOUR! Taylor is now changing gears, he lofts Taskin down the ground. The over ends with two singles.

After 36 overs,New Zealand 181/3 ( Ross Taylor 53 , Neil Broom 19)

Mustafizur comes back and his first over goes like this: 0, 1, 0, 2, 0, 0.

Ross Taylor gets to his fifty off 67 balls and it has been a very similar effort to what he has produced in this tournament. The former New Zealand skipper started his campaign with a 58-ball 46, which was followed by a 59-ball 39 against England. Taylor has attempted to play himself in, hoping to accumulate runs quickly later. He could not kick on against Australia and England. Today, with Williamson having departed, the Kiwis will need him to make good of the platform he has constructed.

After 35 overs,New Zealand 178/3 ( Ross Taylor 51 , Neil Broom 18)

FIFTY! Ross Taylor brings up his 37th ODI fifty in an important match. New Zealand’s middle order was looking very bleak before this match but the senior batsman has brought some control in the middle overs for the Kiwis. Four singles come off Taskin’s 6th over.

After 34 overs,New Zealand 174/3 ( Ross Taylor 49 , Neil Broom 16)

FOUR! Broom uses his wrists and cuts the first ball very late through point for. New Zealand collect four singles off the next five balls.

A first boundary in five overs is followed immediately by Williamson’s dismissal. There were slight hints of misunderstanding between the batsmen in recent overs and the confusion has finally jumped out in full sight. Williamson was looking good for a second century in this competition and the manner of his departure is highly unfortunate. Previous matches have shown a tendency to fall away on the Kiwis’s part once the skipper goes, so this could prove to be a turning point. Good thing for New Zealand is that Neil Broom is at the crease now. His indifferent form in this tournament aside, Broom has scored 339 runs at an average of 84.75 in his last five appearances against Bangladesh.

After 33 overs,New Zealand 166/3 ( Ross Taylor 47 , Neil Broom 10)

Broom has just arrived at the crease and Mortaza is not allowing him any respite. Fore three successive balls, Neil fails to score off Mashrafe and he also induced a leading edge. However, the Black Caps collect atwo runs off it.

After 32 overs,New Zealand 164/3 ( Ross Taylor 46 , Neil Broom 9)

Shakib starts off with a leg side wide. Then the batsmen milk three consecutive singles. Taylor drives the fourth ball towards covers for no run. The fifth ball is punched down to long on by Ross for another run. Broom goes on his back foot and cuts the sixth delivery through point and collects a comfortable two.

Kane Williamson has been dismissed runout seven times in ODIs. He has scored fifty-plus scores five times out of those seven innings.

After 31 overs,New Zealand 158/3 ( Ross Taylor 44 , Neil Broom 5)

Broom plays out Mortaza’s first three balls. FOUR! Whattay shot! Broom drives it on the up and gets off the mark. He immediately  takes a single on the fifth ball which is followed by a dot.

After 30 overs,New Zealand 152/3 ( Ross Taylor 44 , )

Bangladesh piling on the dot balls. Three consecutive dots. FOUR! But it ends! Shakib bowls a leg side and Taylor shifts a bit to sweep it over fine leg. The left arm spinner slows it up on the fifth ball and Taylor attempts an unsuccessful sweep. New Zealand lose their third wicket.

OUT! Would you believe it? Kane Williamson has run himself out! New Zealand’s best batsman walks back for 57. Taylor tickled it to short fine leg and Williamson started running despite Taylor’s refusal. The fielder hurled a throw to Shakib who gathered it and disturbed the bails. Neil Broom saunters out in the middle.

After 29 overs,New Zealand 148/2 ( Kane Williamson (C) 57 , Ross Taylor 40)

Mashrafe comes back for his second spell and begins with two dots. Taylor comes across and drives the third ball, which is full, to mid on and takes a single. The Bangladesh captain changes his pace on the fourth delivery and Williamson watchfully blocks it. Mortaza lands the fifth ball on a length and the Kiwi batsman taps it to midwicket. Williamson, unlike his character, goes for a big shot on the final delivery and almost loses his wicket.

After 28 overs,New Zealand 147/2 ( Kane Williamson (C) 57 , Ross Taylor 39)

Shakib tosses it around off, Taylor uses his feet and drives it through mid of. Single taken. Williamson sweeps the second ball in front of square for another run. Smart cricket all around! Taylor charges down the track and Shakib follows him, but the senior Kiwi adjusts well and pads the ball away. Taylor fails to play the next two balls properly and Williamson has a word with him, perhaps to calm him down. Taylor pushes the sixth ball to cover point for a single.

After 27 overs,New Zealand 144/2 ( Kane Williamson (C) 56 , Ross Taylor 37)

Rubel starts his over with a length ball around middle, Kane pushes it towards mid off for a single. The second ball is nurdled away to deep midwicket by Taylor for another single. Williamson shuffles across and nudges the third delivery to the leg side for a couple. The fourth ball goes for a single. Runs coming in easily now. Taylor clips towards midwicket for a quick single. Busy over this which ends with a dot.

After 26 overs,New Zealand 144/2 ( Kane Williamson (C) 56 , Ross Taylor 37)

Shakib in for his sixth over. The ace spinner is not giving anything away. Very tidy this from him. Keeps the Kiwi batsmen down to four runs in that over again.

Kane Williamson becomes the first player to score four consecutive fifty-plus scores in ICC Champions Trophy. 

Kane Williamson becomes the first captain to score three consecutive fifty-plus scores in ICC Champions Trophy. 

Kane Williamson now holds the record of scoring most runs in a single edition of ICC Champions Trophy for New Zealand. The previous record holder was Roger Twose who scored 203 runs in ICC Champions Trophy 2000.

Another fifty partnership for Williamson and Taylor. In their five previous associations, the duo had added at least 95 runs. One would not put it past them to outdo that score today as they seek to put the Kiwis ahead in this must-win clash. Now that the ball is a bit older, there is not so much zip off the surface. In fact, this New Zealand innings is progressing like the ones in previous matches. We know that those ended in collapses. A change in fortunes is imperative here.

After 25 overs,New Zealand 134/2 ( Kane Williamson (C) 50 , Ross Taylor 33)

Rubel comes back into the attack. Williamson gets to his fifty with a single off the fourth ball. This is his 31st ODI fifty and the second of the tournament so far. Taylor spanks a shortish ball in front of square for a boundary. New Zealand going steady after 25 overs.

After 24 overs,New Zealand 126/2 ( Kane Williamson (C) 48 , Ross Taylor 27)

Shakib continues. Another tidy over. Brings about a miscue from Williamson off the third ball. Four runs from that over.

After 23 overs,New Zealand 122/2 ( Kane Williamson (C) 45 , Ross Taylor 26)

Mustafizur to Williamson. The second ball is overpitched and Williamson takes full toll. A straight drive for a boundary. Fizz bowls in the 120-130 kmph range in that over. Ross Taylor m,iscues off the last ball. Williamson and Taylor bring up fifty-run partnership in that over. Six runs from that over.

After 22 overs,New Zealand 116/2 ( Kane Williamson (C) 40 , Ross Taylor 25)

Shakib bowls his fourth over. Starts with one sliding down the pads. Then just shortens the length a bit. Four singles in that over.

After 21 overs,New Zealand 112/2 ( Kane Williamson (C) 38 , Ross Taylor 23)

Fizz continues. The first ball is on the pads. The third ball is an off-cutter. A quiet phase of the match this. Another cutter on the last ball. Three runs from that over.

After 20 overs,New Zealand 109/2 ( Kane Williamson (C) 37 , Ross Taylor 21)

Shakib continues. A tidy over. Starts with a shortish delivery, and then bowls a quicker one and then there is an arm ball. No risks taken by the Kiwis. They have made steady progress in the first 20 overs.

After 19 overs,New Zealand 105/2 ( Kane Williamson (C) 35 , Ross Taylor 19)

Mustafizur in for his third over. Starts off with a wide. And that brings up the hundred fore the Kiwis. The next ball is full outside off and gets the treatment as Wiliamson brings out a sublime cover drive. That is what the spectators come to see and you can see Williamson bat for hours on end and not get tired. Very easy on the eye! Fizz angling the ball away from the right-hander. Six runs off that over.

After 18 overs,New Zealand 100/2 ( Kane Williamson (C) 30 , Ross Taylor 19)

Shakib continues. The first ball is turned round the corner and the ball races away to the boundary. A hysterical appeal from Shakib, almost to the level of being comical. More so, when you consider that the ball came right off the face of the bat. A couple of singles off the next two balls. Taylor rapped on the pads on the fourth ball. Another huge appeal. But the batsman was way down the track. Very difficult to give those out. Eight runs from that over.

After 17 overs,New Zealand 91/2 ( Kane Williamson (C) 28 , Ross Taylor 13)

Rubel continues for his 4th over. He is bowling on the good channel. Three singles off the first four balls. The fifth ball is in the corridor of uncertainty. Left alone by Taylor. A single to third man off the last ball. There has been some time since the last boundary. It came in the 14th over, to be precise.

After 16 overs,New Zealand 87/2 ( Kane Williamson (C) 26 , Ross Taylor 11)

We are back after drinks and Bangladesh bring their trump card, the left-arm orthodox bowler, Shakib Al Hasan into the attack. Ross Taylor jumps down on the first ball and pushes the ball for a single. Not a lot of turn for Shakib. A bit of a stutter from the Kiwis on the fourth ball while running between the wickets, but no harm done. Six runs from the over. Pretty easily done by the Kiwis.

After 15 overs,New Zealand 81/2 ( Kane Williamson (C) 22 , Ross Taylor 9)

That possibly could be Taskin’s last over. Will be interesting to see if Mortaza introduces himself into the attack. Anyways coming to Rubel’s 3rd over, he gives away two singles off the first two balls. Williamson dead-bats the third ball and fourth ball. Williamson tries to clip the fifth delivery but inside edges it onto his thigh pad. BEATEN! Williamson looks to defend the last ball but Rubel’s angle is such that it goes past the New Zealand’s captain bat.

Well, there’s another decent start gone waste for Guptill. The ball came into his pads but the batsman swung on the wrong line. He was caught plumb in front of the stumps. New Zealand is the only side in this competition to have at least reached 60 in the first Powerplay but there’s not a lot of value for it if the batsmen produced middling scores. Ross Taylor is at the crease now and he scored an unbeaten 60 when he last played Bangladesh, in May. On that occasion, it was the Kiwis who ended up on the losing side. The pressure is certainly on at the moment.

Taskin and Rubel have brought Bangladesh back in the game. They have bowled at the right areas and are being rewarded with wickets. On these tracks, hitting the right channel as a bowler is very important, which sometime the sub continental teams fail to do, due to inexperience. Meanwhile, Williamson once again is looking in good touch. Bangladesh need to get his wicket quickly to create an impact in the match.

After 14 overs,New Zealand 79/2 ( Kane Williamson (C) 21 , Ross Taylor 8)

The ball is doing just a bit and the Bangladesh pacers put on a quality display of fast bowling. To befuddle a batsman like Williamson is no mean task but that is what Taskin and Rubel have managed to do. What is more noticeable is Mortaza’s aggressive captaincy. He has positioned slips and a leg gully in the 14th over. Great stuff! Williamson takes a single on the second ball. And after bowling three decent deliveries to Taylor, Taskin spoils the over by putting in extra effort. He first attempts a yorker which ends up being a full toss and Taylor slams it past mid on for a boundary. The second was a fullish delivery Ross straight drives past the bowler.

Kane Williamson now holds the record of scoring most runs in a single edition of ICC Champions Trophy for New Zealand. The previous record holder was Roger Twose who scored 203 runs in ICC Champions Trophy 2000.

After 13 overs,New Zealand 70/2 ( Kane Williamson (C) 20 , Ross Taylor 0)

Williamson guides Rubel’s first delivery through third man for a couple. He tries to play a similar shot on the second ball but it goes to the wide slip. FOUR! That will take some pressure off the Black caps as he flicks it to the cow corner fence. Williamson pinches a single to point. OUT! Guptill departs for 33. Rubel greets Taylor with a wide but the umpire spreads his arms to signal a wide. The last ball is a dot.

OUT! Guptill was struggling after the powerplay and Rubel cashes in on it. He angles in a length delivery, which nips back sharply and surprises Guptill. The ball raps him on his pads and Bangladesh start appealing. The finger goes up in a jiffy. Guptill has a word with Williamson and opts against a review. Ross Taylor is the new man in.

After 12 overs,New Zealand 62/1 ( Martin Guptill 33 , Kane Williamson (C) 13)

Bangladesh have somewhat managed to pull things back after Ronchi’s dismissal. New Zealand are aware of their brittle middle order and both Williamson and Gupill are playing cautiously. Having said that, I simply can’t take anything away from Taskin and Rubel. Both of them have been on their marks and challenging Williamson. Taskin bowls five dots and allows only one single off it.

After 12 overs,New Zealand 62/1 ( Martin Guptill 33 , Kane Williamson (C) 13)

Bangladesh have somewhat managed to pull things back after Ronchi’s dismissal. New Zealand are aware of their brittle middle order and both Williamson and Gupill are playing cautiously. Taskin bowls five dots and allows only one single off it.

After 11 overs,New Zealand 61/1 ( Martin Guptill 33 , Kane Williamson (C) 12)

Rubel comes into the attack and bowls a top over. The only run that he conceded came off an edge which went past the first slip

After 10 overs,New Zealand 60/1 ( Martin Guptill 33 , Kane Williamson (C) 11)

Guptill pushes the first ball to mid off. Guptill takes a sharp single on the second ball. Williamson bunts the third ball towards the bowler. FOUR! He is so easy on eyes, says Ian Bishop on air. You bet he is! He caresses the full delivery beautifully through covers. Taskin bowls a dot before conceding a single off the lsat ball.

After 9 overs,New Zealand 54/1 ( Martin Guptill 32 , Kane Williamson (C) 6)

FOUR! Williamson rocks back and square drives it past point. I would pay for every single day to watch Williamson bat. There are the likes of Kohli, Smith or Root, but when Williamson is in the mood there is hardly anyone better to witness. On the fourth ball, Kane steers it to third man for a single. Guptill instantly rotates the strike on the fifth ball. Quality ball! Mortaza’s length ball whistles past Guptill’s outside edge.

Luke Ronchi’s batting average of 14.26 in ODIs since February, 2015 is the worst for any player. (Min. 25 ODI innings)

This was New Zealand’s best opening stand in this tournament but not good enough. While Guptill has been picking up quick runs with equanimity, Ronchi gets done by Taskin Ahmed’s pace. He has once again paid the price for his overly eager approach. Although it may not seem so, these gloomy conditions are not in any way hampering the batsmen. So Ronchi will be disappointed. Now, it’s the turn of Kane Williamson to bat on what looks like another 300-plus pitch.

After 8 overs,New Zealand 48/1 ( Martin Guptill 31 , Kane Williamson (C) 1)

Taskin provides the first breakthrough. Guptill takes a single on the second ball. Now, now Mortaza has deployed a leg gully for Williamson. A quiet over if you consider the context of the match. 2 off it.

OUT! Taskin Ahmed’s bouncer and extra pace does the trick. He hits the deck hard and Ronchi looks to pull it away but the ball gets too big on him and he hits it straight to Mustafizur Rahman at mid on. Kane Williamson, New Zealand’s best batsman, walks in at No 3.

After 7 overs,New Zealand 46/0 ( Martin Guptill 30 , Luke Ronchi (W) 16)

It’s raining boundaries at Cardiff. FOUR! Gutpill punches it nonchalantly through covers. Couple of balls later, he taps it to covers to steal a quick single. In the air…. but safe. Ronchi comes down the track and mistimes his drive over covers. Luckily for him, it falls in no man’s land and he collcts a couple. The last two balls concede a dot and single respectively.

 I am not having a good feeling about the body language and tactics of Bangladesh in this do or die match. Their bowlers have got the perfect conditions to bowl but unfortunately they are not making the most out of it. Fizz has been inconsistent with his line and length and the Kiwi openers have taken advantage of that. Mortaza has bowled decently so far but his tactics of keep just one slip in the initial overs, has been quite surprising. Even, after couple of lusty blows by Guptill, the lone slip has been removed. Too defensive, one must say.

After 6 overs,New Zealand 38/0 ( Martin Guptill 25 , Luke Ronchi (W) 13)

First bowling change. Taskin comes into the attack and his first ball whizzes past Guptil’s blade. Bangladesh would want similar deliveries from him. Guptill gets off the strike on the second ball. The third ball is a dot. FOUR! Taskin overpitches and Ronchi creams it through covers. He dabs the fifth ball to third man and asks his partner to come across. First bouncer of the match and Guptill leaves it alone.

After 5 overs,New Zealand 31/0 ( Martin Guptill 24 , Luke Ronchi (W) 7)

SIX! Get out of my way, says Guptill as he smacks a fullish Mortaza delivery over mid off for a huge maximum. He hit that so cleanly that the umpires had to change the ball. Nasser Hussain reckons on air that it must have gone into the River Taff. FOUR! Back of a length from Mortaz and Guptill stands tall to punch it through covers. A tinge of worry on Mortaza’s face as he walks back to take his stride. Bangladesh have instantly opted for a defensive field. The slip has been taken off. Only 1 run off the final four balls.

Martin Guptill has hit 138 sixes in ODI cricket which is the second most by any player since his ODI debut. Only AB de Villiers (151) has more sixes than him in ODI cricket since his ODI debut. 

After 4 overs,New Zealand 20/0 ( Martin Guptill 13 , Luke Ronchi (W) 7)

Ronchi and Guptill pinch singles on the first two balls. Close, very close! Mustafizur angles it away from Ronchi and he gets beaten on the outside edge. Luke drives the fourth ball straight to cover-point. Ball five is on a length and around leg, Ronchi goes on his front foot and clips it through square leg for a couple. FOUR! Poor delivery, Rahman goes short and wide, a freebie really, and Ronchi slashes it over covers.

After 3 overs,New Zealand 12/0 ( Martin Guptill 12 , Luke Ronchi (W) 0)

An experienced makes up for the expensive 2nd over by bowling a madein to Martin Guptill.

Martin Guptill is one of the two openers whose average is higher than 50 and strike rate is above 100 in ODIs post ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 among openers who have played at least five innings since then. Will he fire today?

After 2 overs,New Zealand 12/0 ( Martin Guptill 12 , Luke Ronchi (W) 0)

Mustafizur to bowl from the other end. FOUR! Rahman angles in a length ball, outside off and Guptill slices it through point. FOUR! Consecutive boundaries. This time the Kiwi opener drives it through covers. He flicks the third delivery through midwicket and collects three. Expensive start for the young pacer. However, he responds well and ends the over by bowling three successive ball Ronchi.

Luke Ronchi was restored to the role of an opener during the tri-series in Ireland, held before the Champions Trophy. In both the matches against Bangladesh, he was dismissed by Mustafizur Rahman. The best Ronchi could manage was a run-a-ball 27. So, his duel with Mustafizur could be an early highlight today.

A bit of a surprise that Tom Latham did not get a look in today. New Zealand has played five ODI matches against Bangladesh in the last six months, winning four of them. The left-handed batsmen had a fruitful time in those games as he got a hundred and two fifties. But New Zealand seem minded to stick with their exuberant opening pair of Martin Guptill and Luke Ronchi. There will be much focus on Guptill today after he wasted two good starts in the previous matches. He is yet to match the high standards of limited overs batting that he set on previous visits to England.

After 1 overs,New Zealand 1/0 ( Martin Guptill 1 , Luke Ronchi (W) 0)

Mortaza errs in his line and slides it down the legside. But the umpire thought it hit something on its way to Rahim. His second delivery is on a length and around off, Guptill blocks it. The third and four balls were full and on off, Guptill defends it. Mortaza induces an edge off Guptill but it goes past the first slip for a single. Ronchi drives the last ball to mid off.

The national anthems have been sung. The Bangladesh players gather in a huddle before dispersing to take the field. Martin Guptill and Luke Ronchi open for New Zealand. Captain Mashrafe Mortaza will begin the proceedings for his team. The battle for survival for both these teams is about to begin……

Williamson will need some support from Taylor, while Bangladesh will also bank on Shakib, the bowler.

Despite the rain that has delayed this match, Kane Williamson is happy to bat first on what he reckons is a dry pitch. It must play on his mind that the side batting first at this venue has scored over 300 in each of the last four ODIs. Only once was it chased down successfully.

An unchanged team today, even though the middle order has been a major cause for worry. If the pitch is going slow down later, the Kiwis will enjoy bowling here. Thankfully the forecast for the rest of the day is clear.

Kane’s luck at the toss has been amazing. He will hope that it will continue in the match too. 

Three tosses in a row for captain Kane! BLACKCAPS to bat first in Cardiff #CT17 ^CE pic.twitter.com/9l0BXDKI4E

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 9, 2017

Can these two continue their good run of form in a do-or-die clash?

Here are the @BLACKCAPS and @BCBtigers team sheets for today! #NZvBAN #CT17 pic.twitter.com/rfv9vsahtj

— ICC (@ICC) June 9, 2017

Bangladesh XI: Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Sabbir Rahman, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Mashrafe Mortaza, Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman

Bangladesh have decided to drop their extra batsman strategy and have dropped Imrul Kayes in place of Taskin Ahmed. Mossaddek in for Mehedi is the other change.

New Zealand XI: Martin Guptill, Luke Ronchi, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Neil Broom, James Neesham, Corey Anderson, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Trent Boult

The form of Neil Broom was New Zealand’s only worry. But they have decided to give him another chance.

Bangladesh have won only one ODI against New Zealand out of 17 matches outside their home. 

TOSS: New Zealand have won toss and elected to bat first.

It seems there is a fair bit of grass cover on the wicket. Both captains would like to bowl first. Bangladesh might go for four pacers, which means Taskin Ahmed can come into the side.

The sun is out at Cardiff and we are going to have the toss at 11.00 am local time (3.30 pm, IST). Match to start at 11.30 am (4.00PM, IST). There will be no over deduction. 

NEWS: toss in 10 minutes, start will be 11:30am local time. Still a full 50 overs a side match #CT17 #NZvBAN ^WN pic.twitter.com/SAf3HjXQoC

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 9, 2017

The news is in. The umpires have finished the inspection and the toss is at 1530 IST and the match will start at 1600 IST.  No overs have been deducted.

A room for improvement for Bangladesh as they look to keep their hopes alive against New Zealand.

It has been a damp start for this important fixture. Match not starting on time due to wet conditions. We had some rain in Cardiff last night and It has been a cloudy morning so far. There will be a pitch inspection at 10.45 local  time.

NEWS: ground delay in Cardiff, umpires to reinspect at 10:45am local time. We'll update you then #CT17 #NZvBAN ^WN pic.twitter.com/syADC8KFlq

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 9, 2017

Toss delayed by wet outfield. Umpires to reinspect ground at 3.15pm (IST)

#pitch #CT17 #NZvBAN ^WN pic.twitter.com/EHfGIIq6vV

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 9, 2017

🤳 + ✍️ time for @BCBtigers! #CT17 #NZvBAN pic.twitter.com/CL7gLTwGsK

— ICC (@ICC) June 9, 2017

Warming up in Cardiff 💪 #CT17 #NZvBAN pic.twitter.com/gZiI9h3uPu

— ICC (@ICC) June 9, 2017

Hello and Welcome to the Live coverage of ICC Champions Trophy Group A encounter between New Zealand and Bangladesh in Cardiff on Friday.

New Zealand walk into their last group match after their 87-run loss against England, with their confidence seriously dented. While they had a good confidence boosting rain-curtailed face-off with Australia, against England it became clear that this team is over dependent on Kane Williamson. Due to the uncharacteristic nature of England pitches in this tournament, their new-ball pair of Trent Boult and Tim Southee have been rendered toothless.

Bangladesh too, have performed in patches, leaving all the batting to Tamim Iqbal, and too a certain extent, Mushfiqur Rahim. On the bowling front, Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman’s indifferent showing so far has shown its effect on the others. 

Going into the match, New Zealand go in with the their nose ahead although Bangladesh too have the firepower to spring a surprise. The team who wins the game will stay in contention for a semi-final spot and would progress further depending on the result of England vs Australia game.

So stay tuned for live scores and updates about the ICC Champions Trophy clash between New Zealand and Bangladesh.