Mirpur, April 20,2026: Right-arm pacer Nahid Rana produced a career-defining 5/32 to spearhead Bangladesh to a dominant six-wicket victory over New Zealand on Monday, leveling the three-match ODI series 1-1.
New Zealand’s decision to bat first at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium backfired as they were skittled for 198 in 48.4 overs. Opener Nick Kelly provided the lone resistance for the Blackcaps with a valiant 83, while support from the other end remained scarce. Rana’s pace proved too much for the visitors, earning him the Player of the Match honors.
In response, Bangladesh overcame an early scare at 21/2 thanks to a commanding 120-run partnership between Tanzid Hasan (76) and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (50). Despite a late double-strike from Kiwi spinner Jayden Lennox, Towhid Hridoy (30*) steered the Tigers home with 87 balls to spare.
The series decider will take place in Chattogram this Thursday.
