In the third and final ODI between Bangladesh and New Zealand, Bangladesh was skittled for just 171 runs in 34.3 overs. The lone bright spot for Bangladesh was Najmul Hossain Shanto’s counter-attacking half-century on his ODI captaincy debut. Shanto scored 76 runs off 84 balls, but apart from him, Mahmudullah’s 21 was the only notable contribution to Bangladesh’s total.
Adam Milne was the standout bowler for New Zealand, finishing with figures of 4 for 34. He dismissed debutant Zakir Hasan with a searing yorker in his first over and later took the crucial wicket of Shanto, ending his 49-run partnership with Mahmudullah.
Bangladesh had opted to bat after winning the toss but lost early wickets, finding themselves at 35 for 3 inside six overs. Trent Boult also contributed to New Zealand’s early breakthroughs, dismissing opener Tanzid Hasan.
Once Shanto was dismissed, Bangladesh lost their last four wickets for just three runs, setting New Zealand a target of 172 to seal the series 2-0.
In the second ODI between Bangladesh and New Zealand, Ish Sodhi, despite his impressive performance in the previous match, ended up as the most expensive bowler for New Zealand. He conceded 40 runs in six wicketless overs. It was batting allrounder Rachin Ravindra and Cole McConchie who made crucial breakthroughs for New Zealand after Mahmudullah’s dismissal in the 25th over, sharing three wickets while conceding 38 runs in ten overs together. Trent Boult picked up two wickets, and Lockie Ferguson managed to dismiss Mushfiqur Rahim with a short ball that hit the stumps.
Najmul Hossain Shanto, who was leading the team in place of the original stand-in captain Litton Das, was the standout performer for Bangladesh. He walked in at 6 for 1 and played some aggressive strokes against New Zealand’s fast bowlers, hitting five fours in his 31-ball 50. Shanto even took on Ish Sodhi, playing the reverse sweep successfully.
However, Shanto’s dismissal while attempting another reverse sweep opened the door for New Zealand. McConchie and Ravindra then took key wickets, and New Zealand cleaned up the tail in the next few overs. McConchie had Nasum stumped, Ravindra trapped Hasan Mahmud lbw, and Adam Milne picked up his fourth wicket when Shoriful Islam sliced a catch to cover, ending Bangladesh’s innings at 171 in 34.3 overs.
