Bangladesh completed a remarkable comeback to clinch their third consecutive ODI series, defeating New Zealand by 55 runs in the series decider at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Thursday.
Having lost the opening match, the hosts bounced back to win the series 2-1. This marks their third straight series victory following recent triumphs against the West Indies and Pakistan.
Batting first on a favorable pitch, Bangladesh posted 265 for 8. The innings was anchored by a spectacular rescue act from Najmul Hossain Shanto and Litton Das. After an early collapse left the hosts reeling at 32 for 3 in the ninth over, the duo forged a 160-run stand—Bangladesh's highest fourth-wicket partnership against New Zealand.
Shanto scored an aggressive 105 off 119 balls, his first ODI century in two years, while Litton contributed a measured 76. Will O'Rourke was the pick of the Kiwi bowlers, taking 3 for 32.
In response, New Zealand was bowled out for 210 in 45 overs. Despite resilient half-centuries from Dean Foxcroft (75) and Nick Kelly (59), the visitors could not withstand Bangladesh's revamped pace attack.
Returning from a knee injury, veteran left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman led from the front. He dismantled the middle and lower order to claim 5 for 43, his first five-wicket haul in ODIs in seven years.
The series will be remembered for the sheer dominance of Bangladesh's fast bowlers, who claimed a record 22 wickets across the three matches—the highest by Bangladeshi pacers in a bilateral ODI series. Express pacer Nahid Rana led the tally with eight wickets, followed by Mustafizur and Shoriful Islam with five each, Taskin Ahmed with three, and Soumya Sarkar with one.
Speaking after the match, Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz heavily praised his pace battery.
"Mustafiz is a great bowler who wins us matches from difficult situations. Having him gives me huge confidence during crisis moments," Mehidy said.
The captain also highlighted 23-year-old Nahid Rana, who consistently clocked speeds above 145 kph. "It is a blessing that Rana regularly hits the 145-150kph mark. It puts tremendous pressure on the opposition.
He is a huge asset to this team," Mehidy added, while also commending Shoriful Islam for his flawless adaptability after being drafted into the first match as a last-second replacement.
