Published: 12:25 AM, 24 April 2026
Tigers seal series win over NZ
Bangladesh players celebrate after clinching the ODI series against New Zealand on 23 April 2026. Photo: BCB
A clinical bowling display led by Mustafizur Rahman and a composed century from Najmul Hossain Shanto carried Bangladesh to a 55-run victory over New Zealand in Chattogram, sealing the ODI series in style.
Defending 265 in the decider, Bangladesh overcame an early batting collapse to produce a disciplined bowling performance that skittled the visitors for 209 on Thursday, according to news agencies.
Bangladesh had been in early trouble after being put under pressure by Will O'Rourke's incisive opening spell, which reduced them to 32-3.
However, Shanto anchored the recovery with a composed 105, registering his fourth ODI century under mounting pressure.
He found strong support in Litton Das, whose fluent 76 helped rebuild the innings and lift Bangladesh to the competitive total.
New Zealand's chase began steadily, but the introduction of Mustafizur shifted the momentum decisively.
Operating with his trademark cutters and variations, the left-arm seamer dismantled the middle order before returning to clean up the lower order, finishing with an outstanding 5-43.
Nahid Rana (2-37) also provided a crucial breakthrough with raw pace, removing Josh Clarkson and injecting urgency into Bangladesh's attack. However, it was Mustafizur who remained the chief architect of the collapse, removing key batter Tom Latham and strangling any sustained resistance.
Dean Foxcroft (75 off 72) offered the final defiance for New Zealand, clubbing 7 sixes to frustrate the Tigers. But his dismissal to long-on ended the contest and sparked celebrations in the home camp.
