PM Hails Tigers’ Courage after Series Victory over New Zealand

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman congratulated the Bangladesh national cricket team for securing a hard-fought 2-1 one-day international (ODI) series victory against New Zealand national cricket team on Thursday. 

Tigers sealed the series with a 55-run win in the deciding third match held at Bir Shrestha Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram on Thursday.

"The premier warmly greeted the players of the national cricket team following Bangladesh's 55-run win over New Zealand in the last ODI match," Prime Minister's Press Secretary AAM Saleh Shibly told a local media. 

The Prime Minister highlighted that the cricket team has now won two ODI series in just two months, noting that the Tigers also defeated Pakistan 2-1 in a three-match series last month. 

"With patriotism, courage and honesty, the victory will continue, InshaAllah," the premier added.

The series-deciding victory was anchored by a masterful century from Najmul Hossain Shanto and a clinical five-wicket haul from returning fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman. 

Earlier in the day, New Zealand won the toss and elected to field, a decision that initially paid off as fast bowler Will O'Rourke orchestrated a top-order collapse, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 9 for two. 

However, Shanto and Litton Das stabilized the innings with a vital 160-run partnership. 

Shanto, named Player of the Match, scored 105 from 119 balls, while Litton contributed 76 from 91 deliveries to push the hosts to a defensible total of 265 for eight.

Reflecting on the innings, Shanto commended the New Zealand bowlers for their early precision but emphasized the importance of the stand with Litton. 

"The way Litton played today, really outstanding," Shanto said. "He held one side and I tried to score some runs. It wasn't an easy wicket to bat on. We just tried to make a big partnership."

In pursuit of 266, New Zealand was bowled out for 210 in 44.5 overs. 

Mustafizur Rahman dismantled the middle order, finishing with figures of five for 43. 

Despite late resistance from Dean Foxcroft, who scored a brisk 75 off 72 deliveries including seven sixes, and Nick Kelly, who added 59, the visitors could not overcome the Bangladeshi attack. 

Foxcroft was the final wicket to fall, caught off the bowling of captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

Captain Miraz praised the collective effort of his bowlers and fielders, noting the team anticipated a pitch offering spin and uneven bounce. 

"We knew early wickets would bring us momentum," Miraz said after the match. 

"They know how to bowl in these conditions." Fast bowler Nahid Rana, who claimed two wickets in the decider and was named Player of the Series after taking eight wickets across the three matches, shared his simple approach: "I was only thinking today that my captain has asked me to take wickets. I only assess the conditions and then bowl accordingly."