Published : 24 Apr 2026, 03:17 AM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 03:38 PM
Bangladesh sealed a superb ODI series triumph over New Zealand in Chattogram, completing a comeback 2–1 victory with a commanding 55-run win in the deciding match.
After dropping the opening encounter by 26 runs, the hosts rebounded with growing authority, securing their third consecutive ODI series win and underlining a period of sustained white-ball resurgence.
At the heart of the victory were Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mustafizur Rahman, both breaking longstanding personal droughts in style on Thursday.
Shanto crafted a composed 105 off 119 deliveries -- his first ODI century in two years and fourth overall -- while Mustafizur rediscovered his cutting edge with a 5-wicket haul, his first in seven years.
Litton Das also ended a lean run, registering his first fifty in the format since the 2023 World Cup.
Bangladesh’s innings had begun in disarray after being asked to bat first, slumping to 32 for 3 inside nine overs.
Will O’Rourke struck early with a teasing outswinger to remove Saif Hassan, before Tanzid Hasan and Soumya Sarkar both fell to soft dismissals, dragging onto their stumps.
From there, Shanto and Litton rebuilt with patience and precision. Initially circumspect, they weathered the early movement before gradually asserting control.
A couple of fielding lapses in the 20th over offered respite, and Shanto soon brought up the fifty partnership with a crisp boundary. Luck also favoured the pair, with Muhammad Abbas spilling a return catch off Litton on 29.
As confidence grew, Shanto began to dominate, stepping out to Nathan Smith for a six and a four, while also surviving a sharp chance on 75.
Litton, meanwhile, played second anchor, taking 60 deliveries to find his first boundary before falling for 76 as the stand reached a record 160 against New Zealand for Bangladesh.
A late slowdown followed Shanto’s dismissal in the 43rd over, with the lower order unable to accelerate, leaving Bangladesh with a subpar finish despite their earlier recovery.
New Zealand’s chase never fully settled despite brief resistance from Nick Kelly, who compiled a patient 59, and Dean Foxcroft, who launched a late counterattack.
Mustafizur led the assault with intelligence and variation, dismissing Henry Nicholls and later Kelly with his trademark cutter after inducing a false stroke.
Support came from Nahid Rana’s express pace, including a 148.6 kph yorker that uprooted Josh Clarkson, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Towhid Hridoy produced sharp fielding interventions to tighten the noose.
Foxcroft’s late flourish, a 75 off 72 balls featuring seven sixes and a valiant 50-run stand with No. 11 Ben Lister, briefly delayed the inevitable.
But once he holed out attempting another straight hit in the 45th over, New Zealand’s resistance ended, sealing Bangladesh’s emphatic series win.
