Bangladesh leveled the series thanks to the skill of Nahid Tanjid Shanta

Photo: Collected

Sports Desk: After a brilliant bowling performance by Nahid Rana, followed by impressive batting from Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Najmul Hossain Shanto, the Bangladesh national cricket team returned to level the series with a dominant 6-wicket victory.

Bangladesh, who had fallen behind after losing the first ODI of the three-match series by 22 runs last Friday, came into this match with a must-win situation and delivered a strong all-round performance.

On Monday at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, the visiting New Zealand national cricket team won the toss and chose to bat first. However, facing the pace of Nahid Rana, New Zealand were bowled out for just 198 runs in 48.4 overs. Opener Nick Kelly top-scored with 83, while the rest of the batting lineup failed to build partnerships.

For Bangladesh, Nahid Rana starred with the ball, taking 5 wickets for just 32 runs in his 10 overs. Fellow pacer Shoriful Islam also impressed, picking up 2 wickets for 32 runs. One wicket each was taken by Taskin Ahmed, Soumya Sarkar, and leg-spinner Rishad Hossain.

Chasing an easy target of 199, Bangladesh lost two early wickets at just 21 runs. Openers Saif Hassan and Soumya Sarkar were dismissed for 8 runs each.

After that, 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. Tamim was dismissed after scoring the highest 76 runs off 58 balls, hitting 10 fours and 4 sixes.

Following his departure, wicketkeeper-batter Litton Kumar Das, playing his 100th ODI, was dismissed quickly for just 7 runs off 11 balls.

Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 50 runs off 71 balls (including 5 fours and 2 sixes) before retiring hurt due to a finger injury. After his exit, captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Towhid Hridoy guided the team to victory with 87 balls to spare. Hridoy remained unbeaten on 30 off 31 balls, while Miraz scored 8 runs off 25 balls.