Bangladesh achieved a significant victory in the third one-day international against New Zealand on Saturday, snapping the host's 17-match winning streak in ODIs at home with a nine-wicket win. This marked Bangladesh's maiden ODI triumph over New Zealand in New Zealand after 19 attempts.
The visiting team, led by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, efficiently chased down the target in just 15.1 overs. Shanto himself contributed a swift unbeaten 51 off 42 balls, while Liton Das supported with a quick 37 from 33 deliveries. Their commanding batting display followed an exceptional bowling performance that had restricted New Zealand to a mere 98 runs in 31.4 overs.
Despite losing the three-match series 2-1, Bangladesh's victory in the final ODI provided them with a significant morale boost. New Zealand had previously secured wins in the first two matches by 44 runs and seven wickets, respectively. However, Bangladesh's latest win not only ended New Zealand’s remarkable home run but also set the stage for the upcoming Twenty20 series.
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh bowlers Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Shoriful Islam delivered career-best performances, taking three wickets each with figures of 3-14 and 3-22, respectively. They were instrumental in dismantling New Zealand's batting lineup, leading to the Kiwis registering their lowest ever total in ODIs against Bangladesh. Soumya Sarkar also contributed significantly, taking 3-18, as New Zealand's score dipped below their previous lowest ODI total against Bangladesh of 162.
The McLean Park pitch, usually favorable for batting with an average first innings ODI score of 239, presented a different challenge with its substantial grass cover. Shoriful and Sakib capitalized on these conditions, effectively disrupting New Zealand's top order and leaving them struggling at 6-70.
The duo's precision in bowling into the stumps and swinging the ball both ways, combined with their ability to exploit the variable bounce, restricted the New Zealand batters from playing aggressively. The largest partnership for New Zealand came from Will Young (26) and Tom Latham (21) for the third wicket, with only two other batters reaching double figures.
Shoriful replicated his impactful start from the first ODI, taking key wickets, while Sakib maintained a tight line, triggering the host's batting collapse. Soumya Sarkar continued the onslaught, claiming three wickets, before Mushfiqur Rahim added the final blow with 1-36.
This comprehensive win by Bangladesh not only reflects their ability to perform under challenging conditions but also signifies their growing prowess in international cricket.
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