Khairul Alam From Chattogram Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium – Bangladesh recovered from a disastrous start to post a challenging total of 265/8 in the series-deciding third ODI against New Zealand at Chattogram’s Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto led from the front with a brilliant century, while Litton Das returned to form with a vital 76.
Early Collapse and the Great Recovery
The Tigers faced a nightmare start after being asked to bat first. Young pacer William O’Rourke wrecked the top order, dismissing Saif Hassan (0), Tanzid Hasan Tamim (1), and Soumya Sarkar (18) within the first 10 overs, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 32/3.
The game turned when Shanto and Litton joined forces. The duo put on a massive 160-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Litton Das, ending a long run-drought, played a composed knock of 76 off 91 balls before being bowled by Jayden Lennox.
Shanto’s 4th ODI Century
Najmul Hossain Shanto anchored the innings perfectly, reaching his 4th ODI hundred off 114 balls. He eventually fell for 105 runs, an innings decorated with 9 boundaries and 2 sixes. Toward the end, Towhid Hridoy played a crucial unbeaten cameo of 33 off 29 balls, and skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz added 22 to push the score past 250.
The Bowling Side
For New Zealand, William O’Rourke was the standout performer, finishing with figures of 3/47. Ben Lister and Jayden Lennox supported him well with two wickets each.
With the three-match series currently tied at 1-1, the Black Caps now need 266 runs to clinch the trophy on Bangladeshi soil
Match Status: New Zealand needs 266 runs to win. The Bangladesh bowling attack, led by Mustafizur Rahman and Shoriful Islam, will look to defend this fighting total and secure a historic series win.