DHAKA: Bangladesh rode on a sensational five-wicket haul from Nahid Rana before completing a commanding six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second ODI at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Monday, levelling the three-match series 1-1, reports UNB.
Defending 199, New Zealand needed early breakthroughs, but Bangladesh paced the chase smartly to reach 199/4 in just 35.3 overs, finishing the job with 87 balls to spare.
Earlier, Nahid was the standout performer with a blistering spell of 5-32 in 10 overs, dismantling the visitors for 198 in 48.4 overs. Bowling with sharp pace and aggression on a surface offering variable bounce, he removed Henry Nicholls and Will Young in quick succession to put New Zealand under early pressure.
Captain Tom Latham fell soon after, edging behind, while Nahid continued to rip through the middle order. He dismissed Muhammad Abbas and Dean Foxcroft before completing his second ODI five-wicket haul by bowling Jayden Lennox. At one stage, New Zealand were reduced to 183/9.
Opener Nick Kelly fought a lone battle with a well-crafted 83 off 102 balls, striking 14 fours, but received little support as no other batter crossed 20. Shoriful Islam provided excellent backup with 2-32, including the crucial wicket of Kelly, while Taskin Ahmed and Rishad Hossain chipped in with one apiece.
“I focused on correcting my mistakes from the last match,” said Nahid after receiving the Player of the Match award. “Today I bowled with better line and length and tried to stay disciplined. I’m happy it helped the team win.”
Chasing a modest target, Bangladesh adopted a positive approach from the outset. Tanzid Hasan led the charge with a fluent 76 off 58 balls, smashing 10 fours and four sixes. His aggressive intent ensured the pressure was transferred back onto the New Zealand bowlers.
After Saif Hassan departed early, Tanzid added valuable runs with Soumya Sarkar and later with Najmul Hossain Shanto, who struck a composed 50 before retiring hurt. The pair took Bangladesh past the 140-mark, effectively breaking the backbone of the chase.
Although Bangladesh lost a couple of quick wickets—Tanzid and Litton Das falling to Jayden Lennox—the required rate was never a concern. Towhid Hridoy remained unbeaten on 30 off 31 deliveries, while captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz stayed till the end on 8 not out, nudging the winning run to seal the contest.
“I think the boys did their job perfectly,” said Mehidy. “Rana bowled exceptionally well, and Shoriful and Taskin supported him nicely. It’s not easy to bowl on these wickets even if they look good. This is a great moment for the team.”
New Zealand captain Tom Latham admitted Bangladesh applied relentless pressure. “We never managed to build partnerships, which made it hard. Credit to the way Bangladesh played—they showed intent and put us on the back foot straight away,” he said.
With the series now level at 1-1, both teams will head into the decider with confidence. For Bangladesh, Nahid’s emergence as a genuine pace threat and the top order’s assertive chase will serve as a major morale boost ahead of the final showdown in Mirpur.
