The New Nation - Internet Edition

Zunaed: M-o-M

Mashrafe Bin Mortaza celebrates after dismissal of
Jesse Ryder during the first ODI match of the BRAC Bank ODI
Series between Bangladesh and New Zealand at the Mirpur
Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Thursday. Focus
Bangla

A good number of female spectators of New Zealand
came to watch the first ODI of the BRAC Bank ODI Series
between Bangladesh and New Zealand at the Mirpur
Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Thursday. Banglar
Chokh

Two young women of Bangladesh watching the first ODI
match of the BRAC Bank ODI Series between Bangladesh and New
Zealand at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on
Thursday. NN photo

Sports Reporter

Bangladesh Cricket team registered a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over the visiting New Zealand Cricket team in the first One Day International (ODI) match of the BRAC Bank ODI Series at the crowd-packed Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Thursday.

It is for the first time Bangladesh beat New Zealand in the ODI clash.

Earlier, The Tigers faced the Kiwis in eleven ODIs but lost in all the affairs.

Besides, Bangladesh won over nine countries which have ODI status. Bangladesh could not beat England and West Indies so far.

Coin-favoured Bangladesh decided to field first and got success as the Tigers restricted the Kiwis to 201 for the loss of nine wickets in the stipulated 50 overs.

In reply, Bangladesh sailed home in 45.3 overs making 202 for the loss of three wickets.

Bangladesh had a poor start as the hosts lost their first wicket for just 18 runs.

Later, Zunaed Siddique and Mushfiqur Rahim saved the team from the debacle adding together 67 runs in the second wicket stand.

After departure of Mushfiqur Rahim, Zunaed and skipper Mohammad Ashraful put on together 109 runs for the third wicket partnership. Zunaed made his maiden half century in his ODI campaign, Zunaed scored a superb 85 from 137 deliveries. He sent the ball eight times through the ropes.

He fulfilled his 50 runs playing 92 balls. Zunaed was caught by Jacob Oram off Mark Gillespie when the board was giving a reading of 194 for the loss of three wickets. Zunaed was adjudged the man of the match for his sparkling innings.

Skipper Mohammad Ashraful hit a captain's knock of unbeaten 60 off 56 balls. He cracked five fours and a six in his commanding innings. It is Ashraful's 15th ODI half century in his career.

Earlier, Mushfiqur Rahim scored 30 off 59 balls.

Scott Styris, Kyle Mills and Mark Gillespie took one wicket each.

Earlier, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, the country's best medium pacer and spinner Abdur Razzak played the key role in wrecking New Zealand innings. Mashrafe Bin Mortaza bowled a splendid spell and finished as !0-3-44-3.

Abdur Razzak, who shone with the willow grabbing three wickets giving away 33 runs.

Besides, Shahadat Hossain and Shakib Al Hasan took one wicket apiece.

Jacob Oram, Jesse Ryder and Daniel Vettori added 57, 34, 30 runs respectively to The Kiwis total.

Oram hit four fours and a six in his 89-ball knock.

Tomorrow Bangladesh will take on New Zealand in the second ODI at the same venue. The match starts at 9.00 AM (Bangladesh Standard Time).