New Zealand’s pace bowlers triumphed over intense heat to deliver a polished performance, securing a 26-run win over Bangladesh in the first match of their three-match ODI series on Friday.
The fast-bowling trio comprising Blair Tickner, Nathan Smith, and Will O’Rourke combined to take eight wickets, effectively dismissing Bangladesh for 221 runs in 48.3 overs.
Choosing to bat first, New Zealand set a competitive total of 247 for 8 on a sluggish pitch, thanks to an innings of 68 runs from opener Henry Nicholls and a quickfire 59 from Dean Foxfort.
After the early loss of Nick Kelly, Nicholls formed a solid partnership with Will Young, adding 73 runs together, and managed to stabilize the innings despite a remarkable bowling display from pacer Shoriful Islam.
Shoriful, making his ODI return after an injury sidelined him since December 2024, delivered an impressive performance with figures of 2 for 27 in his 10 overs.
New Zealand’s formidable pace attack soon unsettled the Bangladeshi batsmen. Tickner recorded outstanding figures of 4 for 40, taking all his wickets in a devastating final four overs. Smith initiated the collapse by taking consecutive wickets of Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Najmul Hossain Shanto, ultimately concluding the innings by dismissing Towhid Hridoy to finish with 3 for 45.
Despite a rocky beginning that saw Bangladesh at 21 for 2, the team regrouped with a partnership between Saif Hasan and Liton Das, who combined for 93 runs to keep their side in contention.
However, O’Rourke turned the tide by removing Saif, who top-scored for his team with 57 runs after initially struggling at 1. Foxfort followed up by dismissing Liton for 46, but Hridoy and Afif stood firm, forming a 52-run partnership for the fifth wicket that reignited Bangladesh’s hopes.
Left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox eventually ended the partnership by taking Afif for 27, leaving Hridoy to fight on. Tickner, having been slightly inconsistent earlier, returned to dismantle the lower order effectively.
Stay informed with the latest updates in sports, covering Cricket, Football, Chess, and more. Enjoy live cricket score updates and comprehensive coverage of ongoing matches.
