Shanto and Mustafizur script Bangladesh's series triumph

Published : Thursday, 23 April, 2026 at 8:39 PM Count : 5

Najmul Hossain Shanto struck a match-winning century before Mustafizur Rahman's stunning return produced a five-wicket haul to guide Bangladesh to a 55-run victory in the series decider against New Zealand, clinching the series 2-1 at Chattogram on Thursday.

Shanto, 27, made 105 off 119 balls, hitting nine boundaries and two sixes for his fourth ODI century to set up the platform as Bangladesh posted 265 for eight.

In reply, New Zealand's batting was undone as they were bowled out for 210 in 44.5 overs, with Mustafizur leading the demolition on his return from injury with a magnificent 5 for 43 — the first five-wicket haul by a pacer at this venue.

The spell also marked Mustafizur's sixth five-wicket haul in ODI cricket, the most by any Bangladeshi. Among left-arm pacers, he drew level with Wasim Akram and Trent Boult, who both have six fifers, with only Mitchell Starc ahead of him on nine.

Dean Foxcroft was the most aggressive of the New Zealand batters, smashing a counterattacking 75 off 72 balls with seven sixes, while opener Nick Kelly tried to hold the innings together with a composed 59 off 80 balls. Nahid Rana and Mehidy Hasan Miraz grabbed two wickets each while Shoriful Islam chipped in with one.

Earlier, Will O'Rourke proved the chief destroyer with the new ball, removing Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan Tamim in his opening two overs to leave Bangladesh reeling at nine for two. Soumya Sarkar was also dismissed soon after, dragging one back onto his stumps off O'Rourke, as Bangladesh slipped to 32 for three.

Shanto then joined hands with Litton Das to steady the innings with a 160-run fourth-wicket stand off 178 balls — the highest partnership for Bangladesh against New Zealand in this format. Left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox broke the stand by removing Litton for 76 off 91 balls, his 13th ODI half-century, before also ending Shanto's innings having the left-hander caught by Nathan Smith.

Towhid Hridoy contributed an unbeaten 33 and Miraz added 22 to ensure a respectable total. O'Rourke was the pick of the New Zealand bowlers with three for 32, while Ben Lister and Lennox took two wickets each.

FP/MI