Published: 10:07 AM, 20 April 2026
Bangladesh eye bounce back in second ODI against NZ
Bangladesh head into the second ODI against New Zealand determined to recover from a dramatic batting collapse in the series opener, knowing that only a win will keep the three-match contest alive. -BCB
Bangladesh face a must-win situation as they prepare to take on visitors New Zealand in the second One-Day International (ODI) at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Monday.
After a thumping defeat in the opening match, MehidyHasan's side must respond quickly to keep the three-match series alive, while visitors are aiming to seal the contest with another victory.
Bangladesh head into the second ODI against New Zealand determined to recover from a dramatic batting collapse in the series opener, knowing that only a win will keep the three-match contest alive.
Bangladesh have to worry about their batting. After TanzidHasan and NajmulHossainShanto fell early in the first game, Saif Hassan and Litton Das added 93 for the third wicket. They couldn't quite convert their starts, which cost Bangladesh. Then came the slowdown as TowhidHridoy and AfifHossain couldn't quite force the issue for 13 overs.
Earlier, Bangladesh ODI skipper MehidyHasan blamed two dropped catches and batting meltdown against New Zealand after his side lost by 26 runs in the three match ODI series opener against visitors New Zealand at Mirpur on Friday.
Miraz however praised Mirpur's wicket and his bowlers' good execution against New Zealand batters.
"I think we bowled really well and [even] 270 is not difficult to chase on this wicket. I think it's a great wicket and our bowlers did very well [to restrict NZ to 247]. If we had taken two catches, definitely we would have kept them under 200 runs," Miraz said after the match.
"So, it's a little mistake from our team. I think we have a lot of positives as well… one of the positives came as a blessing in disguise, the inclusion of Shoriful [Islam] last minute," he added.
Bangladesh suffered a 26-run defeat to New Zealand in the opening match of the three-match ODI series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, undone by a disciplined and skillful display from the visitors' pace attack.
The New Zealand fast-bowling trio of Blair Tickner, Nathan Smith and Will O'Rourke shared eight wickets to bowl Bangladesh out for 221 in 48.3 overs, successfully defending a total of 247-8 on a slow surface.
"I think back-to-back two wickets is always key for the opponent's team. The way Litton and Towhid batted was brilliant… Towhid and Afif as well. But we had to finish well, otherwise we cannot win. If we made a big partnership, definitely we would have won this one," Miraz said.
After opting to bat first, New Zealand recovered from an early setback to post a competitive total, thanks to a composed 68 from Henry Nicholls and a brisk 59 by Dean Foxcroft.
The pair played key roles in steadying and accelerating the innings respectively after a shaky start following their captain Tom Latham's decision to bat.
Shoriful Islam, who was drafted into the squad by replacing the injured MustafizurRahman just before the toss, struck early by removing Nick Kelly.
He could have had Will Young cheaply as well, but a dropped catch allowed the batter to survive on 1 and contribute 30 in a crucial 73-run stand with Nicholls.
