Bangladesh secured a 2–1 victory in the three-match One Day International series against New Zealand, concluding a contest that saw contrasting performances across the fixtures. The series began unfavourably for Bangladesh, before they recovered to win the final two matches and claim the series.
In the opening ODI, Bangladesh failed to chase a target of 248 runs. The side was bowled out for 221, resulting in a 26-run defeat. Ahead of this match, left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman was ruled out due to injury at a crucial moment, leaving Bangladesh without one of their key bowlers.
The second ODI saw Bangladesh respond strongly despite the absence of Mustafizur Rahman. New Zealand were dismissed for 199 runs, as Bangladesh’s bowling unit delivered a disciplined performance. Bangladesh then completed the chase comfortably, winning by six wickets and levelling the series at 1–1.
The decisive third ODI was played in Chattogram on Thursday, where Mustafizur Rahman returned to the playing XI. New Zealand set a target of 266 runs. In reply, the visiting side were bowled out for 210 in 44.5 overs. Bangladesh successfully chased the target, winning by 55 runs and securing the series 2–1.
Mustafizur Rahman played a decisive role in the final match. He bowled nine overs, conceding 43 runs, and took five wickets. This performance marked his sixth instance of taking five or more wickets in a One Day International match. His spell significantly contributed to restricting New Zealand’s batting lineup during the chase.
The overall series progression reflected Bangladesh’s improvement after the initial defeat. While the first match resulted in a setback, the team adjusted effectively in the following two games, particularly in their bowling performance. The return of Mustafizur Rahman in the final match strengthened the bowling attack at a key stage of the series.
Series Summary
| Match | New Zealand Score | Bangladesh Score / Target | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | 248 | 221 all out | New Zealand won by 26 runs |
| 2nd ODI | 199 all out | Target achieved | Bangladesh won by 6 wickets |
| 3rd ODI | 210 all out | 266 target achieved | Bangladesh won by 55 runs |
Across the three matches, Bangladesh conceded the first game but responded with consecutive victories in the second and third ODIs. The final match in Chattogram proved decisive in securing the series outcome, with Mustafizur Rahman’s five-wicket haul forming a key part of Bangladesh’s bowling performance.