In a thrilling turnaround, Bangladesh outclassed New Zealand by six wickets in the second ODI, drawing level in the series after a disappointing opener. The Sher-e-Bangla Stadium witnessed Tanzid Hasan’s explosive 76 propel the Tigers to chase down 199 with ease, reaching the target in 35.3 overs for the loss of four wickets.
Early blows saw Saif Hassan dismissed for 8 and Soumya Sarkar for 8, but Tanzid and Najmul Hossain Shanto forged a match-defining 120-run partnership for the third wicket. Tanzid’s aggressive knock featured 10 boundaries and 4 sixes in 58 balls, setting the tone. Shanto’s composed 50 off 71 balls ended prematurely due to injury (retired hurt).
Towhid Hridoy remained unbeaten on 30 off 31, partnering with skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz (8*) to seal the deal. New Zealand’s bowlers lacked bite, with Richard Lennox taking 2/36 and Nathan Smith 1 wicket.
New Zealand’s batting faltered at 198 all out. Nick Kerry’s 83 (102 balls, 14×4) was the lone bright spot, supported briefly by Abbas (19). Bangladesh’s bowlers dominated, led by Nahid Rana’s brilliant 5/32. Shoriful Islam grabbed 2/32, while Taskin and Soumya claimed one each.
Nicholls (13), Latham (14), and Young (2) underwhelmed. With the series poised at 1-1, anticipation builds for the finale after Bangladesh avenged their first-match 26-run defeat.
