Najmul Hossain Shanto scored a brilliant century, and Mustafizur Rahman claimed a five-wicket haul as Bangladesh defeated New Zealand by 55 runs on Thursday to clinch the ODI series 2-1. This victory marks Bangladesh's third consecutive ODI series win, following earlier triumphs against West Indies and Pakistan.
Bangladesh Innings: Shanto and Das Lead Recovery
Batting first, Bangladesh posted a competitive total of 265 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs. Shanto played a captain's knock, scoring 105 runs despite the challenging 34-degree Celsius heat. He had previously retired on 50 due to cramps in the preceding match. Bangladesh found themselves in trouble at 32 for 3, but Shanto and Liton Das orchestrated a crucial 160-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Liton contributed a steady 76, his first ODI half-century since October 2023.
New Zealand opted to bowl first and made early inroads. Will O'Rourke removed both openers and Soumya Sarkar to leave Bangladesh reeling. However, by the time O'Rourke returned for his second spell, Shanto was on 89 and Liton on 56. Muhammad Abbas bowled economically, conceding just 16 runs in five overs without taking a wicket.
Shanto and Liton built the innings patiently, reaching a 50-run stand by the 20th over and the 100-run mark by the 30th over. Liton was eventually dismissed for 76 off 91 balls, backing away from leg stump before being bowled by Jayden Lennox. Shanto completed his fourth ODI century, and his first in two years, off 114 balls with a single off Lennox. He was later dismissed for 105, caught near the boundary by Nathan Smith.
New Zealand Chase: Mustafizur's Magic Sinks Visitors
Chasing 266 for victory, New Zealand struggled to build momentum. Mustafizur Rahman and Nahid Rana (2 for 37) struck early to reduce the top order. Nick Kelly scored his second consecutive fifty but lacked support from the other end. Mustafizur took three wickets in a span of 17 balls to complete his sixth five-wicket haul, his first since the 2019 Cricket World Cup, finishing with figures of 5 for 43. New Zealand were eventually bowled out for 210 in 44.5 overs.
Dean Foxcroft provided some resistance with a brisk 75 off 72 balls, including seven sixes, but the result was already a foregone conclusion. For New Zealand, Kelly made 59, while Foxcroft's late assault added respectability to the total.
This series win further solidifies Bangladesh's growing prowess in ODI cricket, as they continue to build momentum ahead of future international assignments.
