New Zealand post 247 as Bangladesh bowlers struggle for early control

New Zealand compiled a competitive 247 for 8 in the ODI series opener, navigating a sluggish Mirpur surface that offered little early reward for Bangladesh’s seamers.

Spin briefly tilted the contest back in the hosts’ favour at the Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Friday.

Opting to bat first, the visitors began cautiously, with Shoriful Islam providing the initial breakthrough by dismissing Nick Kelly for 7.

However, Henry Nicholls and Will Young settled into a restrained rhythm, capitalising on a lack of penetration from Taskin Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan Sakib during the opening powerplay.

Bangladesh only found sustained control after introducing spin.

Rishad Hossain proved decisive, breaking a stubborn stand when Will Young’s attempted reverse sweep resulted in a simple catch after a steady 40.

Nicholls, who anchored the innings with a patient 68, was later dismissed sweeping Rishad, halting New Zealand’s momentum.

The middle overs remained attritional, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz tightening the screws and boundary options becoming increasingly scarce.

Tom Latham’s brief stay ended cheaply as a skidding delivery beat him, leaving New Zealand reeling at 171 for 5 and under pressure.

A late counterattack from Dean Foxcroft, who struck a valuable 51, ensured the tourists pushed beyond 240.

His fighting knock targeted the seamers in the final overs, exposing Bangladesh’s inconsistency at the death.