Superb Shakib guides Bangladesh to historic series win
A commanding all-round performance from the excellent Shakib Al http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Hasan-c61990 guided Bangladesh to an unassailable 3-0 lead against New Zealand in Mirpur, as the hosts won their first-ever series against top-flight opponents.
Shakib’s fifth One-Day century helped the Bangladeshis to 241 all out, a total that proved nine runs too many for the Kiwis, who were eventually dismissed for 232 with Shakib taking three wickets.
The all-rounder – Bangladesh’s vice-captain – anchored his side’s innings after a rocky start, hitting a vital 106 as other batsmen struggled around him, although both Imrul Kayes and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mills-c76321, Daryl Tuffey and Daniel Vettori each took two wickets.
After a poor start, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 were indebted to 20-year-old Kane Williamson for at least making a fist of the response.
The number five strode to the wicket at 35-3, but proved more than able despite struggling with injury for most of his innings, and had reached 108 before Shafiul Islam removed him – the 10th and final wicket of the innings – to start the Bangladeshi celebrations.
Earlier, the slow left arm of Shakib had dismissed Aaron Redmond (16), http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Grant-c60671 Elliott (22) and Tuffey (0), while Islam finished with figures of two for 39.
“http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Bangladesh-c747 have played better cricket than us and deserved the victory,” said Kiwi skipper Vettori. “They have shown us how to play in these conditions.”
“I think we have played great cricket throughout the series,” said a delighted man-of-the-match Shakib.
“We have shown great character. Williamson batted well. I think I batted sensibly and didn't take too many risks. But I do need to work on my bowling as I haven't bowled as well as I would have liked.”
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