Bangladesh’s pace attack dominated New Zealand’s batting on a green Napier pitch, securing a historic nine-wicket victory in the third and final one-day international on Saturday.
After conceding the series in the first two matches, Bangladesh orchestrated a remarkable turnaround at McLean Park, dismissing the hosts for a mere 98 in 34.1 overs.
The run chase was a breeze, with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto leading the charge, scoring an unbeaten half-century as Bangladesh comfortably reached 99-1 in 15.1 overs.
This win marked Bangladesh’s first-ever ODI victory over the Black Caps on New Zealand soil, breaking a streak of 18 previous losses.
Shanto’s strategic decision to insert the Black Caps on a green, bouncy surface paid off, as his seamers exploited the conditions. Three bowlers claimed three wickets each, with Tanzim Hasan Sakib (3-14) and Soumya Sarkar (3-18) achieving career-best figures. Shoriful Islam’s 3-22, including the key wicket of top-scorer Will Young for 26, contributed to New Zealand’s lowest total in 45 ODIs between the two teams.
Despite a brief setback in the run chase when opening batter Sarkar retired hurt due to an eye problem, loose New Zealand bowling allowed Bangladesh to cruise to victory. Shanto’s unbeaten 51, coupled with opener Anamul Haque’s contribution, sealed the historic win. Haque was the only batsman dismissed, edging paceman William O’Rourke on 37.
The teams will now gear up for a three-match T20 international series, commencing in Napier on Wednesday.
