Bangladesh produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat New Zealand by six wickets in the second ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur of Dhaka on Monday, levelling the three-match series at 1-1.
The result sets up a decisive third match in Chattogram on 23 April.
Chasing 199, the hosts reached the target comfortably in the 36th over, powered by a strong batting display led by Tanzid Hasan, who struck a fluent 76 off 58 balls. His innings included 10 fours and four sixes, anchoring the chase with aggressive intent. Najmul Hossain Shanto also played a key supporting role with a half-century, ensuring Bangladesh remained in control throughout the innings.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh’s pace attack set the tone by restricting New Zealand to 198 all out. Fast bowler Nahid Rana was the standout performer, delivering a fiery spell that dismantled the visitors’ batting lineup and earned him a five-wicket haul. Every one of his wicket-taking deliveries was clocked above 140 kmph, underlining his raw pace and impact.
Nahid Rana struck early after senior bowlers Shoriful Islam and Taskin Ahmed applied initial pressure. He made an immediate impact in the eighth over, dismissing Henry Nicholls leg-before-wicket with a delivery clocked at 144.7 kmph. He followed it up in his next over with a 150 kmph bouncer that forced Will Young into a mistimed shot, resulting in a catch at point.
After New Zealand attempted to rebuild through a 66-run stand between Nick Kelly and Muhammad Abbas, Rana returned in the 28th over to remove Abbas with another sharp bouncer. He later cleaned up the lower order, completing his second ODI five-wicket haul.
This latest performance adds to Nahid Rana’s growing reputation, following his previous five-wicket haul against Pakistan at the same venue in March.
With the series now evenly poised, attention turns to the final ODI in Chattogram, where both teams will fight for series victory.
