DHAKA, Oct 14, 2023 (BSS)-Mushfiqur Rahim hit a half-century and Mahmudullah 
Riyad provided a late blitz as Bangladesh put up 245-9 against New Zealand in 
their third game of the ICC Cricket World Cup at M A Chidambaram Stadium 
today.

The pitch had already shown sign of being slow and low, much to the delight 
of Bangladesh which aimed to hit back into winning way after a disappointing 
137-defeat to England in the last match. 

Mushfiqur scored 66 off 75 with six fours and two sixes to lead the charge 
after a familiar top order collapse. Mahmudullah lived up to the expectation 
in finisher role with 49 ball-41 not out, an innings laced with two fours and 
as many sixes. Skipper Shakib Al Hasan chipped-in-with 40 as he struck three 
fours and two sixes in his 51-ball-knock.

After being sent to bat first, Bangladesh lost opener Liton Das in the first 
ball as he charged Trent Boult but was caught at fine-leg. 

Mehidy Hasan Miraz who made 30 after batting at No.3 position looked to 
steady the innings alongside Tanzid Hasan Tamim but Bangladesh found them in 
wanting when fast bowler Lockie Ferguson was introduced to the attack.

Ferguson's short pitched delivery and bouncer with raw pace clearly 
intimidated the batters and both of Tanzid who made 16 and Miraz were undone 
by the bouncer. 

Offspinner Glenn Philips further blew Bangladesh, claiming the wicket of 
Najmul Hossain Shanto after he made just 7.

Shakib and Mushfiqur tried to rescue the side as Bangladesh were left to 56-4 
in 13th over. 

They dealt with Ferguson's short pitched delivery confidently to tick the 
scoreboard.

Mushfiqur by the time reached his 48th fifty off 52 balls, upper-cutting 
Ferguson for a boundary through deep backward point.

With caution and aggression, they shared 96 runs for the fifth wicket but 
relentless Ferguson once again jolted Bangladesh, taking out Shakib with 
another bouncer.

Onus was on Msuhfqiur to drive the side but fast bowler Matt Henry rattled 
his stump with a delivery that kept too low, much to the surprise of the 
batter. 

Mahmudullah who started slowly, gained the pace as the time progressed as he 
led the lower order to help Bangladesh edge closer to 250-run mark.

Ferguson was the best bowler for New Zealand with 3-49 while Boult and Henry 
took two wickets apiece.