Napier, December 23, 2023 In a stunning turnaround, Bangladesh’s pace attack showcased its prowess on a green Napier pitch, securing a historic nine-wicket win against New Zealand in the third and final one-day international on Saturday. Having conceded the series in the first two matches, Bangladesh’s remarkable performance at McLean Park saw them dismiss the hosts for a mere 98 runs in 34.1 overs.
The run chase was a procession for Bangladesh, with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto leading the charge by scoring an unbeaten half-century, guiding his team to a comfortable 99-1 in just 15.1 overs. This victory marks Bangladesh’s first-ever one-day international win over the Black Caps on New Zealand soil, breaking a streak of 18 consecutive losses since their first attempt in 1990.
Captain Shanto expressed pride in his team’s performance, emphasizing the belief they had before starting the series.
“Really proud of the boys playing in this match. Before we started this series, we really believed that we could win the series,” said Shanto.
“The last couple of matches we played well but we couldn’t finish. Today the boys played some good cricket, and we got the result.”
Shanto’s strategic decision to insert the Black Caps on a lush, bouncy surface paid off as Bangladesh’s seamers dominated the proceedings. Tanzim Hasan Sakib (3-14), Soumya Sarkar (3-18), and Shoriful Islam (3-22) picked up three wickets each, skittling New Zealand for their lowest total in 45 ODIs between the two teams.
Sakib, who delivered a career-best performance, credited his simple approach, stating, “I tried to bowl wicket to wicket and I tried to bowl line and length. The wicket did the rest of the work. It really helped me.”
Despite an early setback when Sarkar had to retire hurt due to an eye problem, loose bowling from New Zealand allowed Bangladesh to cruise through the run chase. Shanto’s unbeaten 51 and a 69-run partnership with Anamul Haque secured the historic victory for Bangladesh.
New Zealand Captain Tom Latham acknowledged the below-par performance of his team and credited Bangladesh for finding a way to exploit the pitch. The teams will now shift their focus to a three-match T20 international series, beginning in Napier on Wednesday.
