04 November,2013 01:16 AM IST | | AFP
Shamsur Rahman led Bangladesh to a stunning victory over New Zealand yesterday, chasing down more than 300 to complete a 3-0 sweep of the one-day international series.
Bangladesh's Shamsur Rahman en route his man of the match-winning 96 against NZ yesterday. Pic/AFP
Shamsur's 96 rocketed the home side to 309-6, steaming past New Zealand's 307 with four balls and four wickets to spare at the packed Khan Shaheb Osman Ali stadium at Fatullah just outside Dhaka.
The 25-year-old opener hit seven fours and four sixes in his 107-ball knock as Bangladesh successfully chased down a 300-plus total for only the second time in their playing history.
Shamsur, playing only his second one-day international, fell short of what would have been a well- deserved century when his attempted drive off a Corey Anderson delivery became an edge and flew to wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi.
Crucial
Naeem Islam continued to lead the charge after Shamsur's departure before he was run out for 63 after facing 74 balls.u00a0Nasir Hossain (44 not out) stayed till the end to ensure Bangladesh never lost their way in the chase on the batting-friendly pitch. Earlier, Ross Taylor hit his eighth one-day century as New Zealand posted their highest total in the series.
The visitors were desperate to avoid another humiliating whitewash, after their previous one-day series against Bangladesh.u00a0Taylor, who was part of the New Zealand squad that lost 4-0 to Bangladesh in 2010, remained unbeaten on 107 while Colin Munro made 85 to give the tourists what looked like a fighting chance.
Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim ranked their latest triumph ahead of the series in 2010. "Both the series victories are great but personally I will go for this series over 2010," he said.
"We are all very disappointed with the outcome of not just today's match but the whole series. To go down 3-0 is extremely disappointing," said stand-in New Zealand captain Kyle Mills.u00a0
