After a stumbling start to the series, Bangladesh made a brilliant comeback in the second ODI against New Zealand. Powered by Nahid Rana’s fiery pace and a composed batting display from Najmul Hossain Shanto and Tanzid Tamim, the hosts secured a comfortable 6-wicket victory to level the series 1-1.
Chasing a modest target of 198 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Monday (April 20), Bangladesh reached the mark with 87 balls to spare.
Top-Order Stability and Shanto's Milestone
The chase began on a shaky note as opener Saiz Hassan was bowled in the very first over. Soumya Sarkar, promoted to number three, also failed to make an impact, falling for just 8 runs.
However, opener Tanzid Tamim took charge, smashing a brisk 76 off 58 balls, including 10 boundaries and 4 sixes. He reached his half-century in just 33 deliveries. While Litton Das struggled in his landmark 100th ODI appearance—scoring only 7—captain Najmul Hossain Shanto anchored the innings.
Shanto struck his 11th ODI fifty, his first since the Champions Trophy clash against the same opponents in Rawalpindi last year. Towhid Hridoy (30*) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz then clinically guided the team home.
Nahid Rana’s Five-Wicket Haul Stuns Kiwis
Earlier, New Zealand opted to bat first but were immediately rattled by the Bangladeshi pace attack. Speedster Nahid Rana was the star of the show, claiming his second career five-wicket haul (5-for).
Rana broke the opening stand by dismissing Henry Nicholls (13) and quickly followed up by removing Will Young (2). While Kiwi opener Nick Kelly played a lone hand with a resilient 83 off 102 balls, he found little support from the other end.
Tom Latham: 14 (35 balls) - Dismissed by Soumya Sarkar.
Nick Kelly: 83 (102 balls) - Dismissed by Shoriful Islam.
Nahid Rana's Victims: Included Nicholls, Young, Muhammad Abbas, Dean Foxcroft, and Jayden Lennox.
The visitors were eventually bundled out for 197 in the final over, as Shoriful Islam and Taskin Ahmed maintained pressure with disciplined spells to complement Rana's aggression.
Series Decider Ahead
With the series now tied at 1-1, all eyes turn to the final ODI, where both teams will battle for the trophy. The Tigers' clinical performance in Bogra and Dhaka over the past few days has set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the home season.
