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New Zealand national cricket team secured a 26-run victory over Bangladesh national cricket team in the opening ODI of three-match series at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on Friday.
Chasing 248 on a slow Mirpur pitch, Bangladesh were bowled out for 221 in 48.3 overs despite fighting half-centuries from Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy.
Bangladesh’s innings got off to a disastrous start as New Zealand pacer Nathan Smith struck twice in successive deliveries in the third over, removing Tanzid Hasan Tamim for 2 and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto for a duck.
New Zealand also missed a chance to take a third wicket when Henry Nicholls dropped Saif Hassan early in the innings.
Saif made full use of the reprieve, scoring a composed 57 off 76 balls and putting together a 93-run partnership with Litton Das, who made 46 before falling to spin. Saif was later dismissed while attempting an aggressive shot.
Towhid Hridoy kept Bangladesh’s hopes alive with a fluent 55 off 59 balls, registering his 12th ODI fifty, but lacked support from the middle order as Afif Hossain contributed 27 before getting out trying to accelerate.
As the required run rate climbed, Bangladesh continued to lose wickets at regular intervals, with skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Rishad Hossain unable to make an impact. The lower order also collapsed under pressure.
For New Zealand, Blair Tickner starred with four wickets, while Nathan Smith added three to complete a dominant bowling display.
Earlier, Bangladesh had done well to restrict New Zealand to 247 for 8 after choosing to field first.
Shoriful Islam impressed with an economical spell, while Rishad Hossain and others shared wickets to keep the visitors in check.
Henry Nicholls top-scored with 68, supported by Will Young and Tom Latham, while Dean Foxcroft’s 59 and Nathan Smith’s late contribution helped New Zealand post a competitive total before their bowlers sealed the win and a 1-0 series lead.
