Bangladesh have made it a habit of defeating big teams in ICC events, and this time it was New Zealand as the Tigers won their Champions Trophy match in Cardiff on Friday by five wickets. This win was only made possible by two star players Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah, with both scoring a wonderful ton each.
Twitter went berserk after this epic win, and there were congratulatory messages from former cricketers, praising the two players for their astonishing feat. Shakib and Mahmudullah scored 114 and 102 runs to make it a day for Bangladesh to remember. They were involved in a record 224-run fifth wicket partnership as well.
Chasing 266 runs in 50 overs, Bangladesh suffered the worst possible start, losing wickets at regular intervals. They made that target of 266 look massive after losing their first four wickets for 33 runs.
New Zealand had the game in their bag, and Bangladesh were staring at a huge defeat, but Shakib and Mahmudullah had some other plans. The two players were aware of the mammoth task ahead of them.
Shakib and Mahmudullah did not go hammer and tongs after the New Zealand bowlers, but they kept their wicket in tact, not playing any loose shots.
However, after seeing off some good balls in the early part of their innings, there was an air of confidence in their batting. Shakib began to look good and so did Mahmudullah. Both the players reached their respective half centuries and suddenly, one realised that Bangladesh had a chance to beat New Zealand and stay in contention for the semifinals.
With Shakib and Mahmudullah gaining confidence, there were some pensive New Zealand faces. The two players began to play some calculated shots, and inched closer to the target and their respective hundreds as well.
First it was Shaikb, who reached his ton with a six, and Mahmudullah completed his ton later to script a sensational win in the 48th over.
Despite this win, Bangladesh, who have knocked out New Zealand, have not booked their semifinals berth. England will have to beat Australia on Saturday for Bangladesh to qualify for the last four of the Champions Trophy.
Here is how former cricketers reacted to Bangladesh win over New Zealand on Twitter.
Seeing some brilliant match winning partnerships this CT 2017. This one between Shakib & Mahmudullah the latest. ???#NZvBAN #CT17
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) June 9, 2017
#CT2017 #NZvBan absolutely brilliant! The Bangla tigers....Shakib & Mahmudullah to the rescue ?Congrats fellas ?#heckofapartnership ?
— Danny Morrison (@SteelyDan66) June 9, 2017
Brilliant from Bangladesh. Shakib,Mahmudullah great stuff. Can say 3 upsets in 3 days. Champions Trophy is truly alive now. #NZvBAN
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) June 9, 2017
Brillant chase Bangladesh, stunning comeback & partnership between Shakib and Mahmudullah! The #CT17 is truly alive.
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) June 9, 2017
Yesterday it was Gunathilake and Mendis. Today Mahmudullah and Shakib. Batting in safe hands in this part of the world!
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 9, 2017