Khairul Alam From Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium ; Chattogram – Bangladesh has scripted a historic comeback to seal the three-match ODI series 2-1 against New Zealand. After losing the opening match, the Tigers roared back to defeat the visitors by 55 runs in the series decider at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram today.
The Mustafizur Show
Defending a target of 266, Bangladesh bundled out New Zealand for 210 runs. The star of the night was the returning “Fizz,” Mustafizur Rahman. Returning from injury, the left-arm pacer was unplayable, claiming his 6th career five-wicket haul with figures of 5/30 in just 8 overs.
Mustafizur struck early by removing Henry Nicholls (4) in the 4th over. He later broke a dangerous 47-run partnership by dismissing Nick Kelly (59). He wrapped up the tail by taking the wickets of Nathan Smith, Jayden Lennox, and William O’Rourke to complete his “fifer” and secure the trophy for the hosts.
Supporting Act and High Pace
Young pacer Nahid Rana provided fiery support, clocking 148.6 km/h to uproot Josh Clarkson’s stumps with a lethal yorker. Rana finished with 2/37. Shoriful Islam also contributed by breaking a crucial stand, dismissing Muhammad Abbas for 25.
The match also featured a moment of brilliance in the field when skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz took a stunning, diving catch at short mid-wicket to dismiss Nathan Smith. Miraz eventually sealed the win by taking the final wicket of Dean Foxcroft (75).
Shanto and Liton Lead the Recovery
Earlier, Bangladesh faced a nightmare start after being put in to bat. The scoreboard read a precarious 32/3 as Saif Hassan (0), Tanzid Tamim (1), and Soumya Sarkar (18) fell cheaply.
However, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Liton Das rescued the side with a massive 160-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Liton, ending a 19-inning dry spell, scored a classy 76 off 91 balls.
Shanto was the anchor, smashing his 4th ODI century. He played a gritty knock of 105 runs from 119 balls, decorated with 9 boundaries and 2 sixes. Late cameos from Towhid Hridoy (33*) and Miraz (22) propelled Bangladesh to a competitive 265/8.
Series Summary and Next Steps
New Zealand won the first ODI in Mirpur by 26 runs, but Bangladesh leveled the series with a 6-wicket win in the second game. Today’s 55-run victory completes a successful turnaround for the Tigers.
The two teams will now shift their focus to the shortest format. The three-match T20I series begins on April 27 in Chattogram. The second T20I will also be held in Chattogram on April 29, with the final match scheduled for May 2 at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla Stadium. All matches are set to start at 2:00 PM local time.