CT 2017: New Zealand post 265/8 against Bangladesh

Cardiff June 9 (IANS) New Zealand posted 265/8 against Bangladesh in a Group A match of the Champions Trophy cricket tournament at the Sophia Gardens here on Friday.

Skipper Kane Williamson (57) and Veteran batsman Ross Taylor (63) were the major contributors for the New Zealand cause.

After electing to bat New Zealand got off to a good start as openers Martin Guptill (33) and Luke Ronchi (16) forged a 46-run partnership before Ronchi was caught by Mustafizur Rahman off pacer Taskin Ahmed in the eighth over.

Soon Martin Guptill was sent packing in the 13th over by speedster Rubel Hossain. Guptill who faced 35 balls and slammed four boundaries and one six was adjudged leg before wicket.

Middle-order batsmen Williamson and Taylor then added 83 for the third wicket to stabilise the innings. But just when it seemed good Williamson was run out by Shakib Al Hasan. Williamson hit four boundaries in his 69-ball knock.

Incoming batsman Niel Broom (36) then added 49 runs in 8.4 overs with Taylor before the latter was dismissed by Ahmed in the 39th over.

Broom along with new batsman James Neesham (23) displayed some quality cricket as the duo forged a crucial 27-run partnership before Broom was dismissed by offie Mosaddek Hossain.

Lower middle-order batsmen Corey Anderson (0) Mitchell Santner (14 not out) Adam Milne (7) and Tim Southee (10 not out) then failed to step up to the occasion as they failed to reach a handsome score.

For Bangladesh Mosaddek Hossain scalped three wickets while Taskin Ahmed took two wickets each.

Brief score: New Zealand 265/8 (Kane Williamson 57 Ross Taylor 63; Mosaddek Hossain 3/13) against Bangladesh.

--IANS
gau/dg