New Zealand (NZ) team produced a clinical bowling performance to defeat Bangladesh national cricket team by 26 runs in a gripping first ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on April 17. On a slow and low surface, New Zealand’s pacers dominated proceedings, claiming eight of the ten wickets to give their side a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Steady Recovery Powers New Zealand to 247
After opting to bat first, New Zealand had a cautious start. Nick Kelly struggled to get going and was dismissed for a painstaking 7 off 23 balls by Shoriful Islam, who made a late entry into the playing XI due to an injury to Mustafizur Rahman.
The visitors managed just 29 runs in the first nine overs, reflecting the challenging batting conditions. However, Will Young and Henry Nicholls steadied the innings with a crucial 73-run partnership. Young contributed 30 before falling to leg-spinner Rishad Hossain.
Nicholls anchored the innings with a composed 68, holding the middle order together as wickets fell around him. Captain Tom Latham failed to make a significant impact, while Muhammad Abbas and Josh Clarkson departed cheaply.
The momentum shifted again thanks to Dean Foxcroft, who played a brisk knock of 59 in just his second ODI appearance. His innings was particularly noteworthy given that he had registered a golden duck on debut at the same venue in 2023.
After Foxcroft’s dismissal in the 47th over, New Zealand struggled to accelerate, failing to hit a boundary in the final overs. Nonetheless, they posted a competitive total of 247/8, with Nathan Smith adding a valuable unbeaten 21.
For Bangladesh, Shoriful Islam stood out with an economical spell of 2/27 in 10 overs, while Rishad Hossain also picked up two wickets.
Bangladesh’s Chase Falters Despite Strong Platform
Chasing 248, Bangladesh had an early scare when Saif Hassan survived a dropped catch by Nicholls in the slips. However, Nathan Smith struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Najmul Hossain Shanto to put the hosts under pressure.
Saif responded positively, playing an aggressive knock that included a six off a free hit. Along with Litton Das, he built a vital 93-run partnership that brought Bangladesh back into the contest.
Saif scored 57 before being dismissed by William O’Rourke, while Litton contributed 46 before falling to Foxcroft. Despite these setbacks, Bangladesh remained in control, thanks to a solid 52-run stand between Towhid Hridoy (55) and Afif Hossain (27).
At 184/4, the hosts looked well on course for victory. However, the game took a dramatic turn in the death overs.
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Late Collapse Hands NZ a Dramatic Victory
Bangladesh suffered a stunning collapse, losing five wickets for just 30 runs to derail their chase. Left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox initiated the slide by dismissing Afif Hossain, before Blair Tickner tore through the lower order with a match-winning spell of 4/40.
The hosts crumbled from 184/4 to 214/9, unable to handle the pressure applied by New Zealand’s disciplined attack. Even though Towhid Hridoy reached his half-century with a six, the mounting required rate and falling wickets proved too much.
The final blow came when Henry Nicholls took a brilliant catch at deep mid-wicket to seal the win for New Zealand, capping off a remarkable turnaround.
Key Takeaways
New Zealand’s victory was built on disciplined bowling and resilience under pressure. Despite conceding as many as 20 wides, their pacers maintained control when it mattered most.
For Bangladesh, the defeat will be a tough pill to swallow, especially after being in a commanding position during the chase. Their inability to finish games under pressure remains a concern.
What’s Next
With this win, New Zealand national cricket team take a 1-0 lead in the series and will look to seal it in the upcoming matches. Meanwhile, Bangladesh national cricket team will aim to bounce back and address their middle and lower-order vulnerabilities.