NAPIER: ICC ranked number nine Bangladesh claimed a historic five-wicket victory over New Zealand on Wednesday after their pacers outclassed the opening game of their three-match Twenty20 International in Napier.
This was the first Twenty20 International victory for Bangladesh on the soil of KIWIS, four days after claiming a maiden away one-day international win over New Zealand in Napier.
After winning the toss, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto invited New Zealand to bat first. The Kiwis’ batters took a dismal start, where Bangladeshi pacers demolished the top order earlier. However, Kiwis batters finally managed to set a target of 135 for nine in 20 overs.
Most of the Kiwis’ batters left the crease in a hurry and were unable to survive, except Neesham, who added 48 crucial runs for his side. Before being caught at a deep cover point.
Bangladesh Batting Against New Zealand
Defending a low total, the Black Caps bowlers provided some relief for the team while grabbing the early wickets of Bangladesh opener Rony Talukdar and Shanto. However, the middle order, including Veteran Litton Das, Soumya Sarkar, and Towhid Hridoy, drove the side to 96-4 after 13 overs.
In the next over, the black Caps took another wicket to create some hope. However, the unbeaten Das (42) and Mahedi Hasan (19 not out) managed to register a first-ever T20I victory against the home side.
The second and third Twenty20 in Internationals will both be played at Mount Maunganui on Friday and Sunday, respectively.
It was a massive victory for Bangladesh, ranked ninth in Twenty20 international cricket, against the ICC’s third-ranked New Zealand.
