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Tigers’ historic series win


Published : 08 Sep 2021 10:22 PM | Updated : 09 Sep 2021 12:28 AM

Tigers have sealed yet another historic series win as they beat New Zealand by six wickets in the fourth of five-match T20I series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Wednesday. With this win Bangladesh lead the series 3-1.

Bangladesh have done it once again. Not too long ago, they beat Australia for the first time in a T20I series and now, Bangladesh have registered their maiden bilateral series win over New Zealand in the shortest format. Of course, both had second-string sides but you can only play what is in front of you.

On Wednesday’s match, Mustafizur Rahman and Nasum Hossain’s brilliant bowling restricted New Zealand to a mere total of 93. The score of 93 was never going to be a threatening-enough target for the Tigers but the Black Caps did squeeze well, also aided by some poor shots from Bangladesh's top order batsmen. Shakib al Hasan (8) failed with the bat again as he lost his cool and was out after trying to play a rash shot down the ground. 

At one stage, Bangladesh were 32/3 after 6 overs. Mohammad Naim and skipper Mahmudullah Riyad then rebuilt the innings. Naim got out after a 35-ball 29 run knock. However, Mahmudullah batted all the way through and ensured that his team got across the line with five balls to spare. There was a massive moment in Ajaz Patel’s final over when the Bangladesh skipper offered a stumping chance, only for his counterpart skipper Tom Latham to mess it up. Mahmudullah’s unbeaten 48-ball 43 was comprised with 1 boundary and 2 maximums.

Earlier, Bangladesh bowlers dominated again as Mustafizur Rahman and Nasum Ahmed scalped four wickets each which propelled the side to restrict the Kiwis on 93 in 19.3 overs.

New Zealand got off to a rocky start as opener Rachin Ravindra was caught by the fielder off left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed for naught.

He removed Finn Allen (12) in his next over when the batsman attempted to play a reverse-sweep but was caught at the circle by Mohammad Saifuddin.

Kiwi skipper Tom Latham and batsman Will Young tried to rescue the side playing brief innings putting a 35-run stand for the third wicket, but Mahedi Hasan removed Latham (21) with an easy stumping for the keeper.

Nasum set off again after taking back-to-back wickets of Henry Nichols (1) and de Grandhomme for a golden duck during the 11th over. Nasum ended with his career-best figures of 10/4 in 4 overs. 

New Zealand were at 52 for 5 wickets, Young and Tom Blundell tried to build up a partnership but could not take it further as Mustafizur strike by returning Blundell (4) for 4 while Young was unbeaten on 35. McConchie (0) was also out while playing an early shot with a terrific catch back to Fizz in the same over. Mustafiz ended with figures of 12/4 in 3.3 overs.