Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed made an electrifying start to New Zealand’s innings, dismissing Will Young for a duck with a peach of a delivery in the very first over of the 6th match of Group A in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Taskin’s animated celebration after the wicket set the tone for Bangladesh’s defense.
Taskin Ahmed’s dream start
After New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first, Bangladesh posted a competitive total of 236/9 in their allotted 50 overs, thanks to their skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto’s half-century. The Black Caps, confident of their chase, sent Young to open the innings, but Taskin had other plans.
Bowling the final delivery of the opening over, Taskin produced an absolute gem – pitching the ball on a good length outside the off stump and getting it to nip back in sharply. Young, attempting a drive, was completely beaten as the ball sneaked through the gap between his bat and pad, crashing into the stumps.
Taskin erupted in joy, pumping his fists and roaring in celebration as Bangladesh drew first blood with a wicket-maiden over. The Rawalpindi crowd erupted, sensing the early momentum shifting in Bangladesh’s favour.
Here’s the video:
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Bangladesh’s battling in Rawalpindi
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh fought hard to post a respectable total on the scoreboard. Najmul Hossain Shanto stood tall with a well-compiled 77, anchoring the innings amidst wickets falling around him. Middle-order batter Jaker Ali played a crucial knock of 45, ensuring Bangladesh play their full quota of overs.
New Zealand’s bowlers kept the pressure on throughout the innings, with Michael Bracewell being the standout performer, claiming 4 wickets for just 26 runs. His spell prevented Bangladesh from accelerating in the death overs, but the Tigers still managed to post a competitive target.
