Khairul Alam From Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur; DHAKA – Half-centuries from Henry Nicholls and Dean Foxcroft have guided New Zealand to a competitive total of 247/8 against Bangladesh in the first ODI of the series at Mirpur.
To secure a victory and take a 1-0 lead, the hosts need to chase down 248 runs in 50 overs.
The Kiwi Innings
After losing the toss and being put into bat, New Zealand struggled early against the Bangladeshi pace attack.
Left-arm seamer Shoriful Islam provided the first breakthrough by dismissing opener Nick Kelly for just 7 runs.
However, Henry Nicholls stabilized the innings with a solid 68 off 83 balls, finding support in Will Young (30).
The middle order saw a brief collapse as Rishad Hossain and Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz struck in quick succession. Miraz bowled his counterpart Tom Latham for 14, while Rishad accounted for the dangerous Nicholls.
Foxcroft’s Heroics
Making his mark on the international stage, Dean Foxcroft played a vital anchor role. He notched his maiden ODI half-century, scoring 59 off 58 deliveries.
Despite wickets falling at the other end—including Josh Clarkson (8) falling to Taskin—Foxcroft kept the scoreboard ticking.
He was eventually cleaned up by a searing yorker from Nahid Rana. Late cameos from Nathan Smith (21*) pushed the total close to the 250-mark.
Bowling Highlights
Bangladesh’s bowling unit put up a collective effort. Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Rishad Hossain claimed two wickets each, while Mehidy Miraz and Nahid Rana picked up one apiece.