Tigers squander strong start again

Bangladesh wasted a wonderful century stand for the first wicket and eventually limped to 239 for nine in their third and final One-Day International against New Zealand at the Saxton Oval in Nelson today.

Openers Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes put on 102 runs after skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza won the toss and decided to bat on a good wicket and under glorious sunshine. Tamim hit a cautious 59, his first half century after five innings, while Imrul struck 44. The pair was going along nicely before Imrul was caught brilliantly at short third man by Neil Broom, who plucked a one-handed catch running behind his shoulder. The only other significant contribution to the total was wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan’s 44 off 38 balls.

Bangladesh had suffered a similar batting collapse in the second ODI here on Thursday and the scenes today looked like an action replay. Sabbir Rahman looked impressive for his 19 before being caught down the leg side off pace bowler Matt Henry.

Mahmudullah’s misery in the series continued. The right-hander, who scored one run apiece in his first two games, scored 3 before pulling a bouncer straight to the throat of the short mid-wicket fielder.

Tamim, who completed his 50 off 71 balls, got out similarly to his dismissal in the previous game -- charging down the wicket for a slog but top-edging it.

Shakib was playing sensibly before he was run out for 19 while chasing a quick single as Bangladesh were reduced to 168 for five. It soon turned 170  for six when Mosaddek was trapped right in front by off-break bowler Jeetan Patel. Tanbir Hayder once again failed to justify his inclusion as a leg-spinning all-rounder when was dismissed for 3, leaving the scoreboard reading 179 for seven.

The damage-limitation job was then left to Nurul and Mashrafe, who took the score past 200 with a 33-run partnership for the eighth wicket. Mashrafe scored 14 before holing out in the deep while attempting a heave against left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner.

Nurul played very well for a successive game and smashed three fours overall and a massive six in the last over.