Bangladesh batsmen come good

Nelson, March 5

Tamim Iqbal came agonisingly close to scoring Bangladesh’s first World Cup century as his side completed a six-wicket win over Scotland in their Pool A clash at Saxton Oval in Nelson on Thursday.

Iqbal scored 95, while Mohammad Mahmudullah (62) and wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim (60) also contributed as Bangladesh achieved 322-4, their highest successful run chase in ODIs.

Shakib Al Hasan (52 not out) and Sabbir Rahman (42 not out) guided Mashrafe Mortaza’s side home with 11 balls to spare to cap off the perfectly timed run chase.

The victory put all the pressure on England for their showdown with Eoin Morgan’s side on March 9 in Adelaide, with Bangladesh now on five points and level with third-placed Australia, while England have two. Both have just two games remaining to play.

Scotland had been well placed to achieve their first World Cup victory, days after throwing away the opportunity against Afghanistan, after Kyle Coetzer had scored a career-best 156 in his side’s 318 for eight. The 30-year-old’s innings was the first World Cup century by a Scotland batsman and also the highest score by someone from an associate nation at the global showpiece.

It also ensured his team posted their highest score against a Test nation. Coetzer, who was named man-of-the-match, shared in a 141-run partnership with captain Preston Mommsen (39) and 78 runs with Matt Machan (35) to anchor the innings.

Bangladesh’s run chase was hampered before they even took the field with Anamul Haque ruled out after he dived to prevent a boundary in the 31st over and appeared to dislocate his right shoulder. He was immediately treated by medical staff but did not re-appear on the field during the remainder of Scotland’s innings and was sent to hospital for scans. Television showed him in a sling with an ice bag strapped to his shoulder. — Reuters