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at the third One-Day International at Napier,
Bangladesh’s seamers crushed New Zealand for 98 in an overwhelming nine-wicket
victory that helped the visitors stave off a series rout. Against Bangladesh,
this was the lowest total for New Zealand.
Bangladesh achieved their maiden ODI victory against
New Zealand in their own backyard on Saturday, proving the worth of the
visitors, who had been warned about by New Zealand head coach Gary Stead about
their improved pace attack in away conditions.
Just four batters from New Zealand scored in double
figures, with Soumya Sarkar, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and Shoriful Islam taking
three wickets apiece.
Tom Latham and Will Young, who ended up becoming the
series’ highest scorer, then offered some resistance as they contributed 36
runs for the third wicket. However, Shoriful bowled Latham through the gate
with a nip-backer, setting off a sequence of events that resulted in New
Zealand losing four wickets in five overs and twelve runs. Young was edged to a
gully by Shoriful, who then castled Mark Chapman with another well-timed pass.
Tanzim then made New Zealand 70 for 6 when he had Tom Blundell caught at backward
point.
Then Sarkar took over, causing Adithya Ashok to nick
off and taking out Josh Clarkson and Adam Milne. The last wicket was taken by
Mustafizur Rahman, who finished the demolition.
The opening batsmen for Bangladesh were cautious at
first, however Sarkar had to be substituted due to an injury to his right eye.
He attempted using water and even an eye drop, but he was unable to continue.
As Bangladesh changed tactics, Anamul Haque smashed
Jacob Duffy for two boundaries in the following over. In the tenth and eleventh
overs, Will O’Rourke and Clarkson each let up three boundaries as Anamul and
Najmul Hossain Shanto sprinted towards the meagre goal. Two overs later, Shanto
completed the victory with a 42-ball half-century, but it was too little, too
late for O’Rourke, who had Anamul edge ahead for a 37 off 33 balls.