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New Zealand began their tour of Bangladesh on a bitter note as they lost their first-ever T20I against the Tigers. Bangladesh managed to restrict the Tom Latham-led side to just 60 runs and faced no problems in the second innings as they won the match with 7 wickets and 5 overs to spare.
Despite winning the toss, NZ failed to capitalise on the early advantage. Their top-order returned back to the dressing room in a jiffy, and it was all upon Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls. The duo constructed a steady 34-run partnership for the fifth wicket, but the wickets kept falling.
Skipper Latham (18 off 25) and Nicholls (18 off 24) were the only two batsmen who crossed the 10-run mark in what ended up being an abysmal batting effort by New Zealand. It was just a matter of time before Bangladesh picked up the remaining wickets.
Mustafizur Rahman (3 for 13) was the pick of the bowlers, but it was a combined effort, which saw four different bowlers picking up at least two wickets each.
Bangladesh stared at the tempting possibility of winning their first-ever T20I match against New Zealand with just 61 runs to chase. The Kiwis were not going to go without a fight as they dismissed the openers early. Shakib Al Hasan (25 off 33) brought some experience to the fore as he anchored the innings.
The New Zealand spin twins Ajaz Patel (1 for 7) and Cole McConchie (1 for 19) put their best foot forward in a bid to make a comeback into the game, but the total to defend was just too less on the day.
Seasoned campaigners Mushfiqur Rahim (16* off 26) and Mahmadullah (14* off 22) stayed till the end and ensured Bangladesh would reach the total with five overs to spare.
Brief Scores
New Zealand: 60/10 in 16.5 overs (Henry Nicholls 18, Tom Latham 18; Mustafizur Rahman 3/13, Nasum Ahmed 2/5) lost to
Bangladesh: 63/3 in 15 overs (Shakib Al Hasan 25, Mushfiqur Rahim 16*; Ajaz Patel 1/7, Cole McConchie 1/19)
Man of the Match
Shakib Al Hasan
