Bangladesh’s seamers skittled New Zealand for 98 in a thumping nine-wicket win in the third ODI in Napier to help the visitors avoid a series white-wash. This was New Zealand’s lowest total against Bangladesh.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead had warned about Bangladesh’s improved pace attack in away conditions, and the visitors showed their worth on Saturday as Bangladesh produced their first ODI victory against New Zealand in their own backyard.
Only four New Zealand batters reached double-figures as Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Soumya Sarkar picked three wickets each.
Tanzim got the party started for Bangladesh, squaring Rachin Ravindra up to have him nick behind in the fourth over. He then got the better of Henry Nicholls in the eighth with a short ball.
Will Young, who finished as the top-scorer in the series, then provided some resistance along with Tom Latham, as the two added 36 runs for the third wicket. But Shoriful bowled Latham through the gate with a nip-backer to spark a slide which saw New Zealand lose four wickets in the space of five overs and 12 runs. Shoriful had Young edging one to gully before castling Mark Chapman with another good delivery. Tanzim then had Tom Blundell caught at backward point to leave New Zealand 70 for 6.
Sarkar then took over, knocking Josh Clarkson and Adam Milne over and getting Adithya Ashok to nick off. Mustafizur Rahman picked up the final wicket to complete the rout.
Bangladesh’s openers started watchfully until Sarkar had to retire hurt after something went into his right eye. He tried applying water and even an eye drop, but could not carry on.
Anamul Haque hit Jacob Duffy for two boundaries in the next over as Bangladesh shifted gears. Clarkson and Will O’Rourke conceded three boundaries each in the 10th and 11th overs as Anamul and Najmul Hossain Shanto raced towards the paltry target. O’Rourke had Anamul edging behind for a 33-ball 37, but it was much too little and much too late as Shanto sealed the win two overs later, bringing up a 42-ball half-century in the process.—Agencies
