An unbroken 85-run stand for the seventh wicket between Mushfiqur Rahim and Mosaddek Hossain guided Bangladesh to a challenging total of 277/6 from their 50 overs during the third and final ODI against England at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong on Wednesday.
Mushfiq, who has not been in the best of touch recently, posted a much-needed unbeaten 62-ball 67, featuring four fours and a six, while Mosaddek chipped in with a quickfire undefeated 39-ball 38, studded with four boundaries.
This is Bangladesh’s highest seventh wicket partnership against England in the 50-over format. Earlier, Bangladesh made a solid start after being asked to bat first by England captain Jos Buttler. Local lad Tamim Iqbal (45) and Imrul Kayes (46) put together an 80-run association for the opening wicket before the latter departed.
In the meantime, Tamim reached a milestone when he scored 38. He became the first Bangladesh batsman to join the 5000-run club in ODIs. He achieved this landmark in his 158th innings.
Following the openers’ departures, Mahmudullah (six) was also dismissed cheaply. Sabbir Rahman though remained determined as he made a fine 46-ball 49 with the help of five fours. However, following Sabbir’s dismissal, Shakib al Hasan and Nasir Hossain also made their way to the dressing room in quick succession; both departing having made four each. Bangladesh were slightly in a spot of bother on 192/6 inside the 39th over.
Mushfiq and Mosaddek though put the finishing touch to steer the Tigers to a fighting total. Bangladesh remained unchanged in the third ODI while the visitors made two changes, bringing in Sam Billings and Liam Plunkett in place of Jason Roy (injury) and David Willey (dropped) respectively.
