New Zealand secured a 26-run victory over Bangladesh to take a 1-0 lead in the ODI series, with Blair Tickner’s decisive spell triggering a late collapse in Dhaka.
Defending 248, Tickner struck four times in a crucial phase, finishing with 4 for 40 and reducing Bangladesh from 194 for 5 to 214 for 9. The hosts ultimately slipped from a strong position, losing their last six wickets for just 37 runs and being bowled out for 221.
Bangladesh Falter After Strong Foundation
Bangladesh were well-placed during a 93-run third-wicket partnership between Saif Hassan and Litton Das, but momentum shifted once that stand was broken. A prolonged period of slow scoring from Afif Hossain and Towhid Hridoy saw the required rate climb significantly, and the pressure told in the final stages.
Saif led the scoring with 57 off 76 balls, while Hridoy contributed 55, but the middle-order approach left Bangladesh with too much to do late in the innings.
Tickner’s spell proved decisive as he removed Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, and Shoriful Islam in quick succession, before dismissing Taskin Ahmed in his following over. Nathan Smith wrapped up the innings with nine balls remaining.
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Early Strikes Set the Tone
New Zealand had already made inroads early in the chase through Nathan Smith, who struck in the fourth over to dismiss both Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto in successive deliveries, putting Bangladesh under early pressure.
Nicholls and Foxcroft Build New Zealand Total
Earlier, New Zealand posted 247 for 8 in their 50 overs, built on half-centuries from Henry Nicholls and Dean Foxcroft.
Nicholls top-scored with 68 off 83 balls, striking nine boundaries and anchoring the innings after a cautious start. He added 73 runs for the second wicket with Will Young, who contributed 30.
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Foxcroft then provided momentum in the middle overs, scoring 59 and helping push New Zealand past the 200-run mark. His innings included eight boundaries, with his final two coming in consecutive deliveries before he was dismissed in the 47th over.
Bangladesh Bowlers Keep Things Tight
Shoriful Islam was the standout among Bangladesh’s bowlers, returning figures of 2 for 27 in 10 overs. Rishad Hossain and Taskin Ahmed also picked up two wickets each, helping restrict New Zealand despite the solid partnerships.
Bangladesh had chances early in the chase, including a dropped catch when Saif Hassan was on 1, but they were unable to capitalise fully. Despite remaining in contention for much of the innings, the late collapse proved costly.
In the end, New Zealand’s combination of disciplined bowling and timely breakthroughs ensured they defended their total and took the early advantage in the series.
