Bangladesh Level Series with Six-Wicket Win

Bangladesh secured a six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second One Day International, drawing the three-match series 1–1 and setting up a Decisive final match in Chattogram on 23 April. The result followed a disciplined bowling performance led by Nahid Rana and a composed run chase anchored by Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain.

New Zealand, having been put under pressure early, were bowled out for 198 in 48.4 overs. Opener Nick Kelly provided the only substantial contribution, scoring 83 runs from 102 deliveries, including 14 boundaries. No other batter crossed the 20-run mark, with Mohammad Abbas contributing 19 from 34 balls as the second-highest score. The most productive partnership for New Zealand was a 56-run stand for the fourth wicket between Kelly and Abbas.

Nahid Rana was the standout performer with the ball, claiming five wickets for 32 runs. Notably, each of his wickets came from deliveries clocked above 141 kilometres per hour, underlining his consistent pace and effectiveness. His spell disrupted New Zealand’s innings at key intervals. Shariful Islam supported effectively with two wickets for 32 runs in his 10 overs, including the dismissal of Kelly. Taskin Ahmed, Rishad Hossain and Soumya Sarkar took one wicket each.

Bangladesh’s chase began under early pressure, as they lost both openers—Saif Hasan and Soumya Sarkar—within the first 21 runs. However, a decisive 120-run partnership for the third wicket between Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain stabilised the innings. Tanzid scored 76 runs from 58 balls, striking 10 fours and four sixes, while Najmul reached his 11th ODI half-century and remained unbeaten on 50.

Tanzid was dismissed attempting a six off left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox, caught by Henry Nicholls. In the following over, Liton Das, playing his 100th ODI, was dismissed for 7. Despite these setbacks, Bangladesh remained in control of the chase.

Najmul completed his half-century with a single in the 29th over but soon after had to leave the field due to a muscle cramp. Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz then joined Towhid Hridoy, and the pair guided Bangladesh to victory with 87 balls remaining. Hridoy contributed 30 runs, ensuring there were no further complications in the chase.

The pitch at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur differed from the surface used in the first ODI. While the earlier match had seen uneven bounce and slower conditions contributing to Bangladesh’s 26-run defeat chasing 247, the second match offered comparatively better batting conditions. However, pace bowlers still extracted occasional bounce and movement.

A notable fielding moment came when Towhid Hridoy completed a running catch at long-on to dismiss William O’Rourke off Taskin Ahmed’s bowling, reflecting Bangladesh’s overall efficiency in the field.

The match extended beyond the scheduled duration, similar to the first ODI, partly due to the pace bowlers’ long run-ups and an additional drinks interval in hot conditions.

Match Summary

With the series now evenly poised, the final match will determine the outcome of the contest.