In the third and final One Day International in Chattogram, Bangladesh endured a mixed batting performance that combined early vulnerability with a spirited middle-order recovery, before the dismissal of Litton Das halted a promising partnership with Najmul Hossain Shanto.
Electing to bat, Bangladesh made a sluggish start against a disciplined New Zealand pace attack. The visitors applied immediate pressure, reducing the hosts to 32 for 2 before Soumya Sarkar’s departure deepened the early collapse. At that stage, Bangladesh’s innings appeared in jeopardy, with timing and shot selection under scrutiny on a surface offering early assistance to the bowlers.
However, Litton Das and Najmul Hossain Shanto gradually rebuilt the innings with patience and controlled aggression. The pair absorbed the pressure before steadily rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries. Their partnership transformed the complexion of the innings, shifting Bangladesh from survival mode to a position of strength.
Litton, returning to form after a lean run in ODIs, reached his half-century from 71 deliveries. He then attempted to accelerate but fell for 76 off 91 balls, bowled while attempting an expansive cover drive against a left-arm spinner. His innings contained three boundaries and a six, reflecting a measured yet increasingly positive approach.
Shanto, meanwhile, continued his impressive form, registering his second fifty of the innings phase and anchoring Bangladesh’s recovery. At the latest stage of play, he remained unbeaten on 93, steadily progressing towards what could become a defining century. His composure and shot selection stood out as he managed both pressure and scoring responsibility effectively.
After Litton’s dismissal, Towhid Hridoy joined Shanto at the crease, attempting to sustain momentum and preserve Bangladesh’s rebuilt platform.
Key Partnership Summary
| Partnership | Runs | Batters |
|---|---|---|
| Fourth wicket | 160 | Litton Das & Najmul Hossain Shanto |
| Ongoing stand (post-update) | 125+ | Najmul Hossain Shanto & Towhid Hridoy |
| Early innings (first three wickets) | 107 | Various batters |
New Zealand’s bowling unit, led by Jacob Duffy O’Rourke, set the tone early. His incisive spell of 5 overs for 16 runs, including three crucial wickets, dismantled Bangladesh’s top order and restricted scoring opportunities. Bangladesh reached their first 50 runs in 13.3 overs, with only 26 coming in boundaries, highlighting the difficulty of scoring freely at the start of the innings.
Soumya Sarkar fell while attempting an aggressive stroke, and Tanzid Hasan was dismissed in similar fashion, both failing to capitalise on starts. These setbacks left Bangladesh under significant pressure before the Litton–Shanto stand restored stability.
With Litton gone, Bangladesh’s hopes of posting a competitive total now rest heavily on Shanto’s ability to convert his innings into a century and guide the lower order towards a strong finish.