[CRK]
A Historic Comeback for the Tigers
Bangladesh has reaffirmed its growing dominance in the ODI format, clinching a hard-fought 55-run victory over New Zealand in the third and final ODI in Chattogram. This victory is particularly sweet as it marks a come-from-behind series win for the hosts, who had suffered a 26-run defeat in the opening encounter.
Beyond the immediate series win, this result carries significant historical weight. By defeating the Black Caps, Bangladesh has now secured three consecutive ODI series wins, following triumphs against the West Indies in October 2025 and Pakistan last month. This represents the first time the national side has achieved such a streak since their impressive run of five consecutive series wins between 2021 and 2022.
The Great Rescue: Shanto and Litton’s Record Stand
The match began on a precarious note for Bangladesh. The top order crumbled early under pressure, slipping to a worrying 32 for 3 by the ninth over. Will O’Rourke set the tone in the first over with a subtle outswinger to remove Saif Hassan, while Tanzid Hasan and Soumya Sarkar both fell victim to deliveries that crashed into their stumps.
However, the match turned on a monumental fourth-wicket partnership between Najmul Hossain Shanto and Litton Das. The pair displayed immense composure, adding 160 runs—a new fourth-wicket record for Bangladesh against New Zealand. For the first 12 overs of their stand, the duo remained circumspect, focusing on rebuilding the innings and absorbing pressure.
The momentum shifted in the 20th over when New Zealand committed a couple of fielding errors, allowing the home side to accelerate. Shanto, who had been waiting two years for another century, found his rhythm, eventually scoring 105 off 119 balls, including nine fours and two sixes. Litton Das also rediscovered his form, scoring 76—his first half-century since the 2023 ODI World Cup.
While Shanto played the role of the aggressor, attacking Nathan Smith with a series of boundaries, Litton provided the steady anchor, taking 60 balls to hit his first boundary. After Litton fell to Jayden Lennox for 76 and Shanto was dismissed in the 43rd over, the scoring rate dipped. A long batting tail and cautious play from Towhid Hridoy and Mehidy Hasan Miraz meant Bangladesh managed only three fours and a six in the final ten overs, finishing with a total of 265 for 8.
Mustafizur’s Masterclass in Bowling
Defending a target of 266, Bangladesh’s bowling attack was led by the returning Mustafizur Rahman. Despite missing the first two matches of the series due to a knee injury, the veteran seamer looked sharp and authoritative. Mustafizur ended the day with figures of 5-43, marking his first five-wicket haul in seven years.
The New Zealand chase began poorly. Mustafizur hurried Henry Nicholls into a mistimed pull, which was easily caught by Litton Das. Shortly after, Nahid Rana contributed to the collapse by removing Will Young in the 14th over. The New Zealand captain, Tom Latham, attempted a sweep against Mehidy Hasan Miraz, only for the top edge to fly to Shoriful Islam at short fine-leg.
The Final Resistance
Nick Kelly provided some stability for the visitors, fighting through a slow start to reach 59 off 80 balls. However, Mustafizur’s mastery of the cutter proved too much; he deceived Kelly, who toe-ended the ball to Tanzid at cover.
The collapse continued as Shoriful Islam removed Abbas, and Nahid Rana produced a stunning 148.6 kph yorker to uproot Josh Clarkson’s leg-stump. One of the highlights of the fielding effort was a sensational full-length diving catch by Mehidy Hasan Miraz to dismiss Nathan Smith, leaving the batsman stunned.
While Dean Foxcroft attempted a belated charge, smashing seven sixes on his way to 75 off 72 balls, the damage had already been done. He shared a 50-run partnership with number 11 Ben Lister, but Foxcroft’s dismissal in the 45th over signaled the end of the chase. New Zealand was bowled out for 210, handing Bangladesh a comprehensive 55-run victory and a triumphant series win.
