Shakib’s all-round show wrecks New Zealand

Shakibal Hasan in a superb all-round performance as Bangladesh beat New Zealand to get 3-0 lead in five-match series.

DHAKA: Shakibal Hasan put in a superb all-round performance as Bangladesh enjoyed one of their biggest days in one-day cricket, beating New Zealand by nine runs in the fourth match to gain an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.

Hasan was key to Bangladesh’s victory, hitting a 113-ball 106 for his fifth one-day hundred to help his side post 241. New Zealand were unable to meet the target after being bowled out for 232 in the last over, with middle-order batsman Kane Williamson posing a major threat to Bangladesh’s total with a fighting 108 for his maiden one-day hundred.

Williamson added 70 for the sixth wicket with Grant Elliott (22) and 53 for the eighth with Nathan McCullum (33). But New Zealand suffered a setback when McCullum was run out in the 49th over. They needed 16 to win in the last over, but could manage only six as Williamson was the last man caught out.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 15^th, 2010.