NEW DELHI: New Zealand’s all-rounder Michael Bracewell stole the show with a four-wicket haul, helping his side restrict Bangladesh to 236 for nine in their Champions Trophy clash in Rawalpindi on Monday. The left-handed batter and off-spinner delivered impressive figures of 4/26 in his 10 overs, setting the tone for a disciplined New Zealand performance.
Bangladesh’s innings was anchored by skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, who top-scored with 77 off 110 balls, though his efforts couldn’t prevent a collapse in the middle overs.
Number seven Jaker Ali provided a spark with 45 off 55 balls, offering a glimpse of what could have been if the top and middle order had been more consistent.
New Zealand’s decision to field early didn’t yield immediate breakthroughs as Shanto and Tanzid Hasan built a 45-run opening stand before Tanzid was dismissed for a run-a-ball 24 by Bracewell. The left-hander’s well-disguised delivery caught Tanzid off guard, and a diving catch by Kane Williamson at midwicket soon followed.
Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz got off to a flying start, using his feet to drive a Bracewell delivery for a six, but his momentum faded after misjudging a fuller ball on the pads.
As Shanto continued to accumulate runs, New Zealand struck again by dismissing Towhid Hridoy for just 7, thanks to a brilliant catch by Williamson, who sprinted from extra cover to secure the dismissal.
With Bangladesh reeling at 97 for three in the 21st over, Mushfiqur Rahim was brought in to steady the ship. However, his contribution was short-lived, as he managed only two runs off five balls before falling to Bracewell, who was enjoying a highly productive spell.
Mushfiqur attempted to counter the pressure with a slog-sweep, but his shot lacked the power needed, and Rachin Ravindra completed the catch at deep midwicket.
Skipper Shanto eventually reached his half-century with a single to deep square leg, but the damage had been done — the team’s batters had played 86 dot balls in the first 21 overs.
Bracewell then wrapped up his impressive performance by claiming his fourth wicket after Mahmudullah’s leading edge cost him dearly. The dismissal of Shanto by William O’Rourke further cemented New Zealand’s dominance, complicating Bangladesh’s path to a comeback.
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