Bangladesh defeated New Zealand by six wickets in the first match of the three-match T20 International series in Chattogram, successfully chasing a target of 183 runs. The result gave Bangladesh a 1–0 lead in the series and marked their highest successful run chase against New Zealand in T20 internationals.
After losing the toss, New Zealand were asked to bat first and posted 182 runs. Their innings featured two identical half-centuries, with both Ken Clarke and Dan Cleaver scoring 51 runs each. These contributions formed the backbone of the New Zealand total. For Bangladesh, left-arm spinner Rishad Hossain was the most successful bowler, taking two wickets.
In response, Bangladesh achieved the target with 12 balls remaining. The chase began in a measured manner, with openers Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Saif Hassan putting together a 41-run opening partnership. Saif Hassan was dismissed for 17 runs, while Tanzid Hasan Tamim contributed 20 runs before being dismissed. Captain Litton Das added 21 runs during the early phase of the chase.
The middle order then provided the decisive acceleration. Towhid Hridoy played a stabilising innings, maintaining a strike rate of 188.88 and anchoring the chase during a key phase of the innings. He played a central role in keeping Bangladesh on track as the required rate fluctuated.
Parvez Hossain Emon and Shamim Hossain Patwari significantly increased the scoring rate. Emon scored 28 runs from 14 deliveries, maintaining a strike rate above 200.00. Shamim Hossain Patwari delivered an unbeaten 31-run innings at a strike rate of 238.46, striking two sixes and three fours. His rapid scoring further reduced the pressure on the batting side in the final stages.
Captain Litton Das remained unbeaten on 51 runs, hitting three sixes and two boundaries. His innings played a key role in guiding Bangladesh to victory, and he was later named Player of the Match.
This chase surpassed Bangladesh’s previous highest successful pursuit against New Zealand, which was 135 runs achieved in Napier in 2023. It also exceeded New Zealand’s previous highest successful defence-related chase in T20 internationals involving Bangladesh, while establishing a new combined highest chase record in matches between the two teams.
Match Summary
| Team | Score | Key Performers | Top Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 182 all out | Ken Clarke 51, Dan Cleaver 51 | Rishad Hossain (2 wickets) |
| Bangladesh | 183/4 | Litton Das 51*, Towhid Hridoy (not specified), Shamim Hossain 31*, Parvez Emon 28 | Ish Sodhi (2 wickets) |
Bangladesh’s innings combined early consolidation with accelerated scoring in the middle and lower order, enabling them to complete their highest successful run chase against New Zealand in T20 international cricket.