A ferocious display of pace bowling by Nahid Rana, followed by a blistering half-century from Tanzid Hasan propelled Bangladesh to a commanding six-wicket victory over New Zealand on Monday. With this win the home side leveled the three-match ODI series 1-1 setting the stage for a high-stakes series decider in Chattogram this Thursday.
On a green and bouncy surface a departure from the usual slow tracks in Dhaka Bangladesh’s pace attack finally found the conditions to thrive. Nahid Rana led the charge claiming his second career five-wicket haul with figures of 5 for 32.
Rana struck early removing Henry Nicholls (LBW) and Will Young (caught at gully off a 146kph bouncer) in his opening spell. He returned in the middle overs to break a stubborn 61-run partnership between Nick Kelly and Muhammad Abbas, before cleaning up the tail.
New Zealand was eventually bowled out for 198 in 49.5 overs. Nick Kelly was the lone warrior for the Kiwis, scoring a resilient 83 off 92 balls. Shoriful Islam (2-32) and the part-time seam of Soumya Sarkar (1-18) provided vital support, as pace accounted for eight of the ten wickets.
Chasing 199, Bangladesh faced early jitters. Openers Saif Hassan and Soumya Sarkar fell cheaply to Nathan Smith and Will O'Rourke, leaving the hosts at a precarious position early on.
However, Tanzid Hasan "Tamim" shifted the momentum with an aggressive counter-attack. Tanzid smashed 76 off just 44 balls, including four towering sixes, reaching his half-century in 33 deliveries. He anchored a match-defining 120-run partnership with Najmul Hossain Shanto.
Shanto, looking to redeem himself after a golden duck in the series opener, struck a composed 50 before retiring hurt due to severe cramps. Although Jayden Lennox (2-36) removed Tanzid and Litton Das in quick succession, Towhid Hridoy (30*) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (12*) remained calm to see Bangladesh home in just 35.3 overs.
The victory marks a significant shift in Bangladesh’s home strategy. Historically dependent on spin, the team management’s decision to prepare a "greener" pitch paid off. Rana, who also took a five-for against Pakistan last month, highlighted the importance of fitness and workload management.
"I want to get to a stage where I can bowl for a long time but don't feel too tired," Rana said in the post-match briefing. "We share information among the fast-bowling group. We are learning how to read the wicket and adapt."
The teams now head to Chattogram for the final ODI, with momentum firmly in the Tigers' favor.
