Home
New Zealand warmed up for the ODI World Cup 2023 in style with a 2-0 series win over Bangladesh in the three-ODI series. Lockie Ferguson-led New Zealand beat Bangladesh by seven wickets with 91 balls to spare to seal the series at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka on September 26.
Bangladesh's stand-in skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and opted to bat first. The openers departed early and Shanto did not get much support from the other end. Adam Milne picked up a four-fer whereas Trent Boult and Cole McConchie picked up two wickets each to bowl out the hosts for 171 from 34.3 overs despite Shanto's 84-ball 76.
In the run chase, New Zealand lost their opener Finn Allen (28) and Dean Foxcroft (0) to left-arm Shoriful Islam in the first powerplay overs. It was smooth sailing after that. Nasum Ahmed got the consolation wicket of Will Young who scored 70 runs from 80 balls but the partnership between Henry Nicholls (50) and Tom Blundell (23) ensured the Kiwis got over the line.
The last time New Zealand won an ODI series on Bangladesh soil was in 2008. Under the captaincy of Daniel Vettori, New Zealand won the series 2-1 against Mohammad Ashraful-led Bangladesh.
Shanto blamed the batters for a comprehensive loss as he said in the post-match presentation, “Our batsmen didn't score big despite everyone getting starts. We are not too much worried about our batting. If I had batted till the end, it would have been a different situation. We need two big partnerships, we couldn't today. Hopefully, all batsmen take responsibility in the next match.”
“We are very chuffed. Some ups and down, the boys fought hard throughout, happy with the win. The way Bangladesh batted in the first 25 overs, we were under a lot of pressure. Fortunately, we picked up wickets. This week has been about winning the series, we have had a good week. We are always building as a team towards what's next,” stand-in skipper Ferguson said after the win.
New Zealand and Bangladesh will now travel to India for the ODI World Cup 2023 where will play two warm-up matches each. The Black Caps will begin their World Cup campaign against defending champions England on October 5 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
