New Zealand vs Bangladesh, ICC Champions Trophy 2017: After creating history in CT, Mashrafe Murtaza eyeing turnaround in 2019 WC

Bangladesh made their first appearance at the Champions Trophy in 11 years. Against New Zealand, they trembled initially but later, Shakib Al Hasan and Mahumudullah's 224 runs partnership took Bangladesh to victory

By: AFP News Agency |
June 10, 2017 4:44 pm

Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza believes his side can face the future with renewed confidence even if they are denied a semi-final place at the Champions Trophy. The Tigers gave themselves a shot at a last four spot with a stunning five-wicket win over New Zealand in Cardiff on June 9.

Bangladesh collapsed to 12 for three and were facing a humiliating loss at 33 for four in the 12th over. But Shakib Al Hasan (114) and Mahmudullah (102 not out) responded to the pressure of a dire position in a must-win game with a brilliant new Bangladesh record partnership of 224 that turned the match upside down and eventually saw New Zealand eliminated.

Bangladesh still needs already-qualified England to beat Australia in the final Group A match at Edgbaston on Saturday, or for the fixture to be a washed out no result, to go through to the last four of an event featuring the world’s top eight one-day international teams.

“That will be nice (if England wins), but we can’t just expect Australia to lose that game. I would like to say the best of luck to both teams because whatever we could do we did. That is most important for us,” Mortaza told reporters.

What emotion!

Relive the winning moments for @BCBtigers in #NZvBAN: https://t.co/bwvcSDIJKr #CT17 pic.twitter.com/yH1KI8QHl1
— ICC (@ICC) June 10, 2017

The paceman added: “Obviously, I would like to go to the semis and if we do we will hopefully play better cricket than in the last three matches. We have to wait now but in the last three years, we keep improving a lot.”
“This sort of performance really help us to move forward, especially with the 2019 World Cup (in England) coming up. It will really boost the team,” added Mortaza.

The moments of joy after the Bangladesh victory! #NZvBAN #CT17 pic.twitter.com/8EJVaR3dTj

— ICC (@ICC) June 10, 2017

Bangladesh, making their first appearance at the Champions Trophy in 11 years, saw star batsman Tamim Iqbal out for a second-ball duck as they chased a seemingly modest target of 266. But later, Shakib Al Hasan and Mahumudullah’s 224 runs partnership took Bangladesh to victory and eradicated Kiwis out of this tournament.

Mashrafe Mortaza has a message of thanks from to the Bangladesh fans after their stunning #CT17 victory v New Zealand pic.twitter.com/7GFuQiLnO2

— ICC (@ICC) June 10, 2017

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