Bangladesh vs New Zealand: Bangladesh sealed a 2-1 series victory over New Zealand with a convincing 55-run win in the third ODI in Chattogram on Thursday. The triumph marked a strong comeback after losing the opening match by 26 runs and extended Bangladesh's streak to three consecutive ODI series wins, following earlier successes against the West Indies and Pakistan. It is their first such run since a five-series winning stretch between 2021 and 2022.
Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mustafizur Rahman were key to the victory for Bangladesh. Shanto struck his first ODI century in two years, scoring 105 off 119 balls, while Mustafizur returned with a five-wicket haul, his first in seven years. Litton Das also found form, registering his first ODI fifty
since the 2023 World Cup.
Shanto-Litton 4th Wicket Partnership Rescues Homeside
Bangladesh were in early trouble at 32 for 3 inside nine overs, with Will O'Rourke removing Saif Hassan and both Tanzid Hasan and Soumya Sarkar falling cheaply. However, Shanto and Litton steadied the innings with a record 160-run fourth-wicket partnership against New Zealand. Initially cautious, the pair gradually accelerated, capitalising on fielding lapses and building momentum.
Shanto led the charge, mixing aggression with control, while Litton took time to settle before finding his rhythm. After Litton's 76 and Shanto's departure in the 43rd over, Bangladesh's scoring slowed due to a long tail, managing only limited boundaries in the final overs.
Defending the total, Mustafizur spearheaded the bowling attack despite returning from a knee injury. He struck early to remove Henry Nicholls, while Litton contributed behind the stumps with key catches. Contributions from Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz kept the pressure on as New Zealand lost wickets at regular intervals.
Nick Kelly offered resistance with a patient 59, but Mustafizur's clever variations ended his stay. Rana's pace and Miraz's sharp fielding further dented the chase, as Bangladesh tightened control.
Dean Foxcroft launched a late counterattack with a 75-run knock featuring seven sixes, but it came too late to alter the outcome. Mustafizur completed his five-wicket haul to wrap up the innings, sealing a comprehensive win and a memorable series triumph for Bangladesh.
