Bangladesh steamrolled New Zealand by six wickets with 87 balls remaining to level the three-match ODI series in Mirpur on Monday. The hosts made light work of a modest chase after a scorching spell from Nahid Rana.
The 21-year-old fast bowler was the day’s headline act, claiming his second five-wicket haul in ODIs as Bangladesh bundled the visitors out for 198 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Rana returned superb figures of 5 for 32, matching his 43 dot balls with relentless hostility that repeatedly derailed New Zealand’s attempts to rebuild.
Despite a couple of early hiccups, the Tigers were never in trouble in their chase.
Tanzid Hasan blasted 76 off 58 balls, smashing 10 fours and four sixes to put the chase firmly on Bangladesh’s terms. His counter-attacking innings, full of clean hitting and authority, anchored a 120-run stand with Najmul Hossain Shanto.
Shanto produced a composed 50 off 71 deliveries before retiring hurt, but by then Bangladesh were cruising.
Even after Tanzid’s dismissal, Towhid Hridoy (30* off 31) and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz (8* off 25) guided the Tigers home with ease, as the hosts sealed victory in 35.3 overs.
Saif Hassan fell early for 8, and Litton Das managed 7, but the Tigers’ dominance in the chase meant those setbacks caused little concern.
After electing to bat, the Blackcaps were rattled early. Rana struck twice in his opening spell — trapping Henry Nicholls lbw with a sharp inswinger and then forcing Will Young to fend a steep bouncer to slip, leaving the visitors reeling at 28 for 2.
Nick Kelly (83 off 102) held the innings together with a composed knock and useful partnerships, but every rebuild was punctured by Rana’s return spells. His short-pitched assault removed Muhammad Abbas and Dean Foxcroft, both unable to deal with the extra lift. Rana then completed his five-for late in the innings by crashing a full delivery through Jayden Lennox’s defence.
Shoriful Islam chipped in with 2 for 32, while the rest of the attack boxed New Zealand in, eventually bowling them out for 198 in 48.4 overs.
FP/MI
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