Sports Reporter :
Motivated Bangladesh recorded a narrow four-run win over New Zealand in their second Twenty20 International (T20I) match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in the city’s Mirpur on Friday.
Bangladesh have now 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.
Earlier, the Tigers thrashed the Kwis by seven wickets in the first T20I match at the same venue on Wednesday.
Tomorrow hosts Bangladesh will take on the touring New Zealand Cricket team in the third T20I at the same venue. If the Tigers beat the Kiwis in the third T20I in tomorrow’s match, Bangladesh will win the series with two matches in hand.
Electing to bat first, Bangladesh piled up a fighting total of 141 for the loss of six wickets in the stipulated 20 overs and then restricted the Black Caps to 137 for the loss of five wickets in 20 overs.
Bangladesh made an auspicious start with openers Mohammad Naim and Liton Das put on together 59 runs in the opening stand before Liton Das was bowled out by Rachin Ravindra.
Liton Das hit a fine 33 from 29 balls. He struck three fours and a sixer.
After Liton’s dismissal, one-down Mushfiqur Rahim came at the crease but he could stay for a short period as he (0) was stumped out by wicketkeeper Tom Latham off Ravindra when Bangladesh’s score was 59 for the loss of two wickets.
Second-down Shakib Al Hasan also failed to justice for his name as he (12) was caught at the long-off by Ben Sears off Cole McConchie when the hosts’ total was 72 for the loss of three wickets.
Then Mohammad Naim and Mahmudullah Riyad repaired the damage contributing together 34 runs for the fourth wicket partnership before Naim was caught at the long-on by Tom Blundell off Ravindra when the home side’s score was 106 for the loss of four wickets.
Naim hit a marvelous run-a-ball 39 including three fours.
After Naim’s departure, Afif Hossain (3) was caught at the long-on by Colin de Grandhomme off Ajaz Patel when the home side’s total was 109 for the loss of five wickets.
Then Nurul Hasan Sohan (13) was caught at the deep midwicket by Will Young off Hamish Bennett when Bangladesh’s innings was concluded.
Riyad remained unbeaten with 37. His 32-ball captain’s knock saw five fours. Riyad was adjudged the Man of the Match for his superb innings.
Ravindra was the most successful bowler of the Black Caps. He grabbed three wickets in the space of 22 runs.
Later, Tom Latham and Will Young were the two batsmen of the visitors who resisted
against the controlled bowling attack of Bangladesh. Mahedi Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan bagged two wickets each for 12 and 29 runs respectively. Besides, Nasum Ahmed took one wicket.
Latham remained unbeaten with 65. His 49-ball innings had six fours and a sixer. Will Young made 22 from 28 balls featuring three fours.
