Dhaka, Apr 21 (V7N): A superb bowling display by Nahid Rana followed by composed batting from Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Najmul Hossain Shanto powered Bangladesh national cricket team to a commanding six-wicket victory over New Zealand national cricket team, leveling the three-match ODI series.
After losing the first match by 22 runs last Friday, Bangladesh bounced back strongly in the second ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.
Winning the toss, New Zealand opted to bat first but struggled against Bangladesh’s pace attack. They were bowled out for 198 runs in 48.4 overs, with opener Nick Kelly top-scoring with 83 runs, while the rest of the batting lineup failed to build partnerships.
Nahid Rana led the bowling attack brilliantly, claiming five wickets for just 32 runs in his 10 overs. Shoriful Islam supported well with two wickets for 32 runs, while Taskin Ahmed, Soumya Sarkar, and Rishad Hossain picked up one wicket each.
Chasing a modest target of 199, Bangladesh got off to a shaky start, losing two early wickets for just 21 runs as Saif Hassan and Soumya Sarkar departed cheaply.
However, Tanzid Hasan Tamim and former captain Najmul Hossain Shanto steadied the innings with a crucial 120-run partnership for the third wicket off 110 balls. Tanzid played an aggressive knock of 76 runs off 58 balls, striking 10 fours and four sixes before being dismissed with the team score at 141.
Following his departure, wicketkeeper-batsman Litton Kumar Das fell quickly, scoring just 7 runs in his 100th ODI appearance.
Shanto contributed a steady 50 off 71 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes before retiring hurt due to a finger injury. After his exit, Towhid Hridoy and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz guided the team to victory with 87 balls to spare. Hridoy remained unbeaten on 30 off 31 balls, while Miraz added 8 runs.
The comprehensive win sees Bangladesh draw level in the series, setting up a decisively final match.
Comment: