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A ruthless spell of fast bowling from Nahid Rana and a fluent top-order response from Tanzid Hasan powered Bangladesh to a commanding six-wicket victory over New Zealand, levelling the three-match series 1-1.
On a surface expected to favour spin, it was Bangladesh’s pace attack that dictated terms, with Rana producing a career-best 5 for 32 to rip through the Black Caps’ batting lineup at the Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.
Every time the visitors attempted to rebuild, he returned to break the stand with sharp, relentless bursts of pace.
New Zealand, despite a fighting 83 from Nick Kelly, never fully recovered from the early blows.
Their innings eventually folded for 198, a total that reflected Bangladesh’s sustained pressure rather than any lack of intent from the visitors.
The chase of 199 began shakily for the hosts, who slipped to 21 for 2 as William O’Rourke generated movement with the new ball. But the response was swift and decisive.
Tanzid shifted the momentum with a blazing 76 off 58 deliveries, an innings marked by authority and intent. He struck 10 boundaries and four sixes, forcing the New Zealand attack onto the back foot.
At the other end, Najmul Hossain Shanto provided stability with an unbeaten 50, anchoring a crucial 120-run partnership that effectively ended Kiwi hopes of a comeback.
Even after Tanzid fell to Jayden Lennox, the platform had been firmly laid.
Shanto and Mehidy Hasan Miraz then ensured there were no late complications, guiding Bangladesh home with more than 14 overs remaining.
Bangladesh’s bowlers had seized control early and never really allowed the visitors to settle after asking them to bat first.
Henry Nicholls was trapped lbw by Rana for 13 after New Zealand reached 25. The paceman struck again two overs later to remove Will Young for 2, leaving the side wobbling at 28 for 2.
Captain Tom Latham tried to rebuild, but Soumya Sarkar dismissed him for 14 after Litton Das completed the catch behind the stumps.
With New Zealand slipping to 52 for 3, Nick Kelly led the resistance. The opener top-scored with 83 off 102 balls, hitting 14 fours, and put on 56 runs with Muhammad Abbas to steady the innings.
Rana broke that stand by removing Abbas for 19, and Bangladesh kept chipping away after that.
Kelly’s departure in the 37th over, caught by Towhid Hridoy off Shoriful Islam, left New Zealand on 145 for 5 and ended their best hope of pushing towards a bigger total.
Josh Clarkson made 6 before falling to Rishad Hossain, while Dean Foxcroft was dismissed for 15 as Rana continued to make inroads.
Nathan Smith remained unbeaten on 18, and Blair Tickner added 12, helping New Zealand edge close to 200 before the innings ended in 48.4 overs.
Shoriful took 2 for 32, while Taskin Ahmed, Soumya and Rishad chipped in.
Bangladesh were also sharp in the field, with Towhid taking three catches as New Zealand’s innings never gained lasting momentum.