Najmul Hossain Shanto’s fourth one-day international century and Litton Das’s first half-century in nearly three years helped Bangladesh recover to 265 for 8 against New Zealand in the third ODI.
Bangladesh were in early trouble at 32 for 3 during the powerplay before Shanto and Litton rebuilt the innings with a record stand. However, the hosts struggled at the death, scoring only 34 runs in the final five overs, largely due to a long batting tail in the series decider.
Shanto, who had retired hurt with cramps after an unbeaten half-century in the second ODI, led the recovery with assertive strokeplay. Litton, enduring a prolonged lean run in one-day cricket, played a more measured role. The pair added 160 runs for the fourth wicket, Bangladesh’s highest stand for that position against New Zealand, after coming together in the ninth over.
New Zealand fast bowler Will O’Rourke made an immediate impact. He dismissed Saif Hassan with the second ball of the match with an away-swinging delivery. Tanzid Hasan, who had scored a brisk half-century in the previous game, looked uncertain before edging on to his stumps in the third over. Although Shanto and Soumya Sarkar briefly counterattacked with five boundaries, O’Rourke struck again to bowl Sarkar and leave Bangladesh under pressure.
Shanto and Litton then stabilised the innings without undue risk, as New Zealand’s bowlers maintained disciplined lengths. A top-edged six from Shanto off Ben Lister in the 14th over came against the run of play, and it was not until the 20th over that the pair began to look settled.
Momentum shifted as New Zealand conceded extra runs through a misfield and an overthrow in the 20th over. Shanto followed with a pull shot off Josh Clarkson to bring up the fifty-partnership. Litton was given a reprieve on the 29th when Muhammad Abbas dropped a return catch before Shanto reached his half-century from 70 balls, his second in consecutive matches.
Litton struck his first boundary only in the 29th over after facing 60 deliveries, while Shanto had already found the boundary seven times. Litton’s second four brought up the hundred-partnership in the 30th over, signalling a turning point in the innings.
He reached his half-century with a single in the 33rd over, ending a run of 19 innings without a fifty. Shanto, meanwhile, continued to accelerate, striking Nathan Smith for six before being dropped on 75 by O’Rourke at short midwicket. He capitalised on the chance, adding further boundaries in the following overs.
Litton briefly increased the tempo with a four and a six off O’Rourke in the 38th over but was dismissed for 76 from 91 balls by Lennox after failing to execute an inside-out shot. Shanto went on to complete his century in the 41st over but was out soon after for a miscue against Lennox, appearing fatigued in humid conditions.
New Zealand tightened their control in the closing stages. Bangladesh managed only three fours and a six in the final ten overs as Towhid Hridoy and Mehidy Hasan Miraz proceeded cautiously with limited support from the lower order. Shoriful Islam and Tanvir Islam fell in quick succession, and Hridoy was unable to significantly raise the scoring rate.
O’Rourke finished with three wickets, while Ben Lister and Lennox claimed two each. Dean Foxcroft took one wicket as New Zealand restricted Bangladesh despite the earlier recovery.
