In a nail-biting T20 encounter, Bangladesh secured a historic win against New Zealand, emerging victorious by five wickets in Napier and taking a 1-0 lead in the series. The target of 135 runs looked challenging at times, but opener Litton Das played a pivotal role in guiding Bangladesh to a memorable victory.
Litton Das held his ground as wickets tumbled around him. Despite the early setbacks, his partnership with Mahedi Hasan proved crucial in turning the tide in Bangladesh’s favor. Mahedi, who also contributed with an early wicket in New Zealand’s innings, showcased his versatility with both bat and ball.
The bowlers set the stage for Bangladesh’s success, with Shoriful Islam’s early breakthroughs and Mustafizur Rahman’s clever variations proving instrumental. Shoriful’s impactful spell of 3 for 26 in the second over rattled New Zealand’s top order, while Mustafizur’s disciplined bowling earned him two vital wickets.
New Zealand faced their share of challenges in the batting department, losing wickets at regular intervals. Bangladesh, in turn, encountered a brief hiccup during their chase when Adam Milne dismissed Rony Talukdar early on. However, Litton and Towhid Hridoy’s partnership steadied the ship, keeping Bangladesh on course for the target.
The turning point came when Litton Das, initially cautious, unleashed a series of boundaries, alleviating the mounting pressure. His unbeaten 42 off 36 balls, coupled with Mahedi’s quickfire 19 not out, sealed the deal for Bangladesh. This win marked Bangladesh’s first T20I triumph against New Zealand on Kiwi soil and their inaugural victory in Napier after three attempts.
Bangladesh’s remarkable win in Napier reflects their resilience and adaptability. Litton Das’s composed innings, complemented by Mahedi Hasan’s all-round performance and a disciplined effort from the bowlers, sets an optimistic tone for the series. As the teams move to Mount Maunganui for the remaining matches, Bangladesh will aim to maintain this momentum, while New Zealand seeks a comeback on their home turf.
