Bangladesh v New Zealand
The New Zealanders in Bangladesh, 2004-05
Utpal Shuvro
15-Apr-2005
At Dhaka, November 5, 2004 (day/night). New Zealand won by three wickets. Toss: Bangladesh.
A splendid spell of seam bowling from Aftab Ahmed raised the prospect of an unlikely victory
for Bangladesh after they had been dismissed for only 146. Aftab, who had not bowled in any of
his three previous one-day internationals or his only Test appearance, claimed five for 31 in ten
overs to reduce New Zealand from 74 without loss to 125 for six. However, Cairns again settled
his team-mates' nerves. Bangladesh had batted meekly and suffered the added blow of losing
captain Habibul Bashar with a fractured toe before Rajin Saleh and Khaled Mashud had a sixth wicket partnership of 57. New Zealand openers Sinclair and Astle appeared to be on cruise control
before Aftab's unexpected contribution.
Man of the Match: Aftab Ahmed.