New Zealand and Bangladesh are gearing up to clash in the third and final ODI in Chattogram on Thursday. Currently, the series is locked at 1-1, with both teams coming out with thrilling performances. New Zealand began the series on a confident note, delivering a composed and well-rounded performance in the opening match to clinch a 26-run win. Their victory was built on the impressive all-round display of Dean Foxcroft, who scored 59 runs and took a wicket.
Contributions from Henry Nicholls (68) and Will Young (30) brought stability to the innings, helping New Zealand post a competitive total of 247/8 in 50 overs. Defending the total, they bowled New Zealand out for 221 in 48.3 overs. However, in the second ODI, Bangladesh came out all guns blazing. The standout performance came from young pacer Nahid Rana, whose remarkable five-wicket haul tore through New Zealand’s batting lineup and crippled New Zealand.
With the bat, Bangladesh looked equally threatening, overhauling a 199-run target in 35.3 overs. Tanzid Hasan continued his excellent run of form, providing a solid start, scoring 76 off 58. Najmul Hossain Shanto and Tawhid Hridoy slammed 50 and 30, respectively, to power the side to victory. Now with everything on the line, both teams will hope to challenge each other in order to clinch the series. Bangladesh would hope to capitalise on their recent dominance, while New Zealand will aim to rediscover the form that brought them a win in the opening game.
Head-to-head
Matches - 21
BAN won - 5
NZ won - 15
No result - 1
Bangladesh possible XI: Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Towhid Hridoy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Rishad Hossain, Afif Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam
New Zealand possible XI: Will Young, Tom Latham (c) (wk), Henry Nicholls, Nick Kelly, Muhammad Abbas, Dean Foxcroft, Josh Clarkson, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Jayden Lennox, William ORourke