Jacobs Blitz Sinks Bangladesh as New Zealand Level T20 Series 1-1

Bevon Jacobs struck a scintillating maiden half-century to lead New Zealand to a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in a rain-affected third T20 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Saturday. 

The win allowed the visitors to level the three-match series 1-1.

Chasing a revised DLS target of 103 in a 15-over contest, New Zealand faced a disastrous start, sliding to 25-3. 

Bangladesh pacer Shoriful Islam spearheaded the early attack, claiming three wickets for just four runs in his opening two overs. 

The pressure intensified when off-spinner Mahedi Hasan dismissed stand-in captain Nick Kelly, leaving the Black Caps reeling at 33-4.

However, Jacobs turned the tide with a fierce counter-attacking display. He smashed an unbeaten 62 off 31 deliveries, including five boundaries and three sixes. 

Despite Bangladesh captain Liton Das keeping Shoriful in the attack for a breakthrough, Jacobs neutralized the threat by hitting him for consecutive boundaries. 

Jacobs reached his fifty in 29 balls—aided by a stroke of luck when Shamim Patwari dropped a catch at long-on that went for six—and eventually sealed the win in 11.4 overs.

Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and elected to field, but the match was interrupted for over two hours due to heavy rain. 

The contest was subsequently reduced to 15 overs per side. Before the weather intervention, Bangladesh had already struggled to 50-3 in 6.4 overs.

Upon resumption, the hosts' attempt at an aggressive recovery backfired. Bangladesh lost their final seven wickets for just 39 runs in 35 balls, eventually being bowled out for 102 in 14.2 overs. 

Towhid Hridoy top-scored with 33, followed by Liton Das (26) and Saif Hassan (16), while the rest of the batting lineup failed to reach double figures.

New Zealand’s bowling unit was led by Josh Clarkson, who recorded career-best figures of 3-9. Ben Sears and Nathan Smith provided strong support with two wickets each.

The match also saw a significant milestone for veteran leg-spinner Ish Sodhi. By taking 1-22, Sodhi reached 165 T20I wickets, surpassing Tim Southee (164) to become New Zealand’s all-time leading wicket-taker in the format. 

Shoriful Islam finished as the pick of the Bangladesh bowlers with figures of 3-15.