After conceding the series in the first two matches, Bangladesh displayed a remarkable turnaround at McLean Park, dismissing the hosts for a mere 98 runs in 34.1 overs. The run chase was smooth sailing, with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto leading the charge with an unbeaten half-century as they comfortably reached 99-1 in just 15.1 overs.
This victory marked Bangladesh’s maiden ODI win against the Black Caps on New Zealand soil after facing defeat in the previous 18 encounters dating back to 1990. Shanto expressed immense pride in the team’s performance, attributing the win to their collective improvements.
“I’m really proud of the team’s effort in this match,” he stated. “Before the series, we had a strong belief in our capability to win. In the previous games, we showcased good cricket but fell short. Today, the team’s performance was exceptional, and it paid off with this result.”
Shanto’s strategic decision to bowl first on a lush, bouncy surface paid dividends, as the seamers capitalized on the conditions. Three bowlers clinched three wickets each, with Tanzim Hasan Sakib (3-14) and Soumya Sarkar (3-18) securing their career-best figures. Shoriful Islam’s 3-22 included the crucial dismissal of top-scorer Will Young for 26, caught in the gully.
Reflecting on his approach, Sakib highlighted his simple tactics. “I focused on maintaining a disciplined line and length. The pitch conditions worked in my favor, aiding my performance significantly.”
While Tom Latham (21) and Young stitched a brief partnership of 36 runs, Latham’s dismissal triggered a collapse, resulting in the last eight wickets tumbling for a mere 40 runs, mainly due to errant shots from the New Zealand batsmen.
Although an early hiccup emerged in Bangladesh’s chase when Sarkar retired hurt at four due to an eye issue, loose bowling from New Zealand eased their path. Shanto’s impressive 51 not out and a 69-run partnership with opener Anamul Haque guided the team home, with Haque being the lone dismissal, edging William O’Rourke on 37.
Latham acknowledged the below-par performance from his team and credited Bangladesh’s adeptness in utilizing the pitch conditions. “It was a disappointing performance. Bangladesh adapted well to the conditions and bowled effectively. We failed to build pressure and couldn’t counter them,” he lamented.
Both teams now prepare for a three-match T20 international series, commencing in Napier on Wednesday.
