Bangladesh national cricket team bounced back from an early collapse to seal a convincing 55-run victory over New Zealand national cricket team in the third ODI at Mirpur on Thursday (April 23), clinching the series 2-1. A composed century from Najmul Hossain Shanto and a brilliant five-wicket haul by Mustafizur Rahman proved decisive in the series decider.
After being put in to bat, Bangladesh were rocked early as William O’Rourke struck twice in quick succession, removing Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan Tamim. He continued his fiery spell by dismissing Soumya Sarkar, leaving the hosts struggling at 32/3 inside the Powerplay.
From there, Shanto and Litton Das steadied the innings with a crucial 160-run partnership for the fourth wicket. The duo initially rebuilt cautiously before accelerating, with both batters reaching their half-centuries. Das eventually fell for 76, but Shanto carried on to register his fourth ODI hundred, anchoring the innings.
Despite a brief slowdown in the death overs, useful contributions from Towhid Hridoy (33*) and skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz helped Bangladesh post a competitive 265/8. O’Rourke was the standout bowler with three wickets, while Ben Lister chipped in with two late strikes.
In reply, New Zealand never quite found momentum. Mustafizur struck early to dismiss Henry Nicholls, and wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Nick Kelly (59) and Dean Foxcroft (75) showed resistance, but the required rate kept climbing.
Foxcroft fought valiantly, smashing seven sixes in a lone effort, but lacked support at the other end. Mustafizur dismantled the lower order with a match-winning 5/43, while Mehidy, Nahid Rana, and Shoriful Islam provided crucial breakthroughs.
New Zealand were eventually bowled out for 210 in 44.5 overs, handing Bangladesh a deserved series-clinching victory.
