Rubel hat-trick demolishes NZ

Bangladesh beat visitors by 43 runs in first ODI to lead series 1-0.

Bangladesh won the first One-Day International (ODI) against New Zealand in Dhaka by 43 runs after medium pacer Rubel Hossain demolished the middle-order with impressive match figures of six for 26, including a hat-trick.

Batting first, Mushfiqur Rahim and Naeem Islam hit half-centuries as Bangladesh piled up 265 all out. The pair added 154 for the fourth wicket to rescue the home side from a perilous 25 for three after New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum won the toss and elected to field.

Soon after New Zealand started batting, rain disrupted play and the target was revised to 206 in 33 overs according to the Duckworth-Lewis (D/L) Method. After play resumed, Rubel struck a hat-trick to bring the visitors to 121 for six. He continued his impressive streak to end the New Zealand innings in just 29.5 overs and deservedly win the man of the match award.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 30^th, 2013.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.