New Zealand rode on a clinical bowling effort to defeat Bangladesh by 26 runs in the opening ODI of the three-match series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on Friday.
Chasing 248 on a slow and low Mirpur track, Bangladesh were bowled out for 221 in 48.3 overs despite a couple of fighting half-centuries.
The hosts suffered an early collapse as pacer Nathan Smith struck twice in consecutive deliveries in the third over, removing Tanzid Hasan Tamim (2) and Najmul Hossain Shanto (0). Smith could have added another, but Henry Nicholls dropped Saif Hassan at first slip when he was on one.
Saif made the most of the reprieve, scoring a composed 57 off 76 balls for his second ODI fifty and adding 93 runs with Litton Das to rebuild the innings. Litton contributed 46 off 68 balls before being deceived by Dean Foxcroft’s spin, while Saif fell attempting a pull off Will O’Rourke.
Towhid Hridoy then kept Bangladesh in the contest with a fluent 55 off 59 balls, registering his 12th ODI half-century. He shared a steady stand with Afif Hossain, who made 27 but struggled to accelerate and eventually fell attempting a big hit off left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox.
With the asking rate climbing, Bangladesh lost wickets at regular intervals. Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Rishad Hossain failed to provide support, while the lower order crumbled under pressure.
For New Zealand, Blair Tickner led the bowling with four wickets, while Smith claimed three to seal the win.
Earlier, Bangladesh bowlers had produced a disciplined effort to restrict New Zealand to 247-8 after they opted to bat first.
Shoriful Islam impressed on his return, removing Nick Kelly early and conceding just nine runs in his opening five overs.
Nicholls anchored the innings with 68, combining with Will Young (30) and Tom Latham (14), before falling to leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, who claimed two key wickets.
Dean Foxcroft’s aggressive 59 off 58 balls and Nathan Smith’s unbeaten 21 provided late impetus as New Zealand posted a competitive total and eventually took a 1-0 lead in the series.
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