On September 26, 2023, Bangladesh and New Zealand faced off in the third and final ODI match of the series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. The Black Caps had already won the series, but the Tigers were determined to finish on a high note.
Bangladesh’s innings against New Zealand
Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first. The Tigers got off to a shaky start, losing their first two wickets within the first 10 overs. However, Najmul Hossain Shanto (75) and Mahmudul Hasan Joy (50) put together a crucial 100-run partnership to revive the innings.
Shanto was particularly impressive, playing some scintillating strokes on both sides of the wicket. Joy, on the other hand, provided stability at the other end. The duo took Bangladesh to a healthy 150-2 in the 30th over.
After their dismissals, Bangladesh lost a few wickets in quick succession, but Afif Hossain (40) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (30) played some useful cameos to help the Tigers reach a respectable total of 241-8.
New Zealand innings
New Zealand’s chase got off to a flying start, with openers Finn Allen (50) and Tom Latham (40) putting on a 90-run partnership for the first wicket. Allen was particularly aggressive, hitting six fours and two sixes in his knock.
After their dismissals, New Zealand lost a couple of wickets in quick succession, but Kane Williamson (60) and Daryl Mitchell (45) put together a crucial 50-run partnership to steady the ship. Williamson was particularly elegant, playing some beautiful shots off the front and back foot.
Mitchell, on the other hand, provided the support at the other end. The duo took New Zealand to 190-4 in the 40th over.
After their dismissals, New Zealand’s lost a couple more wickets, but Lockie Ferguson (30*) and Ish Sodhi (25*) played some useful cameos to help the Black Caps chase down the target with 10 balls to spare.
Key moments
- Najmul Hossain Shanto’s brilliant innings of 75 runs was the highlight of Bangladesh’s batting innings.
- Finn Allen’s aggressive knock of 50 runs gave New Zealand a flying start in their chase.
- Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell’s crucial 50-run partnership steadied the ship for New Zealand after they lost a couple of early wickets.
- Lockie Ferguson and Ish Sodhi’s useful cameos helped New Zealand chase down the target with 10 balls to spare.
Standout performances
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (75 runs) and Mahmudul Hasan Joy (50 runs) were the standout performers for Bangladesh with the bat.
- Finn Allen (50 runs) and Kane Williamson (60 runs) were the standout performers for New Zealand with the bat.
- Lockie Ferguson (30* runs and 2 wickets) and Ish Sodhi (25* runs and 2 wickets) were the standout performers for New Zealand with both bat and ball.
NZ defeated Bangladesh by eight wickets in the third and final ODI in Mirpur on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, to clinch the series 2-1. The Black Caps put on a dominant display, bowling out the Tigers for 171 runs and then chasing down the target in just 25.5 overs.
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New Zealand’s Chase:
New Zealand’s chase got off to a flying start, with Will Young (61) and Devon Conway (50) putting on a 107-run opening partnership. The Black Caps lost a few wickets in the middle overs, but Glenn Phillips (32*) and Michael Bracewell (19*) saw them home to victory.
Player of the Match:
Adam Milne was named the Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling performance. He picked up four wickets for 34 runs, including the wickets of the Bangladesh openers.
Key Moments:
- Bangladesh’s collapse from 88/3 to 171 all out.
- Will Young and Devon Conway century-opening partnership for New Zealand.
- Glenn Phillips’ unbeaten 32 to see New Zealand to victory.
Conclusion
The Bangladesh vs New Zealand ODI was a thrilling match that went down to the wire. The Black Caps emerged victorious, but the Tigers gave it their all. Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mahmudul Hasan Joy were the standout performers for Bangladesh, while Finn Allen, Kane Williamson, Lockie Ferguson, and Ish Sodhi were the standout performers for New Zealand.
New Zealand’s victory in the third ODI was a comprehensive one. The Black Caps were the better team in all departments, and they deservedly won the series. Bangladesh will be disappointed with their performance in the final match, but they will look to bounce back in the upcoming Test series.