Bangladesh secured a six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the opening Twenty20 International at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Sunday, chasing down 183 with six wickets in hand to register their highest-ever successful run chase in T20 internationals and take a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.
New Zealand posted 182 for 6 after being put in to bat. Their innings suffered an early setback when Tim Robinson was run out for a duck in the second over following a direct hit from Towhid Hridoy.
Rishad Hossain led Bangladesh’s bowling with two wickets, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shoriful Islam took one each. Debutant Ripon Mondol conceded 39 runs in four overs without taking a wicket, although he finished strongly by giving away just six runs in the final over.
In reply, Bangladesh made a steady start as Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan Tamim added 40 runs in the first five overs. Saif was dismissed for 17 off 15 balls, with the opening stand ending at 41.
Captain Litton Das scored 21 off 15 deliveries before being bowled by Ish Sodhi, as Bangladesh slipped to 66 for 2. Tanzid Tamim was dismissed soon after for 20 off 25 balls, also falling to Sodhi, leaving the hosts at 77 for 3.
The momentum shifted when Towhid Hridoy and Parvez Hossain Emon launched a counterattack, adding 57 runs in just 28 balls. Emon made 28 off 14 deliveries, including two sixes, before being dismissed.
After Emon’s departure, Shamim Hossain accelerated the chase with a quickfire 31 off 13 balls, hitting three sixes and two fours to keep Bangladesh in control.
Hridoy anchored the innings with a fluent half-century off 26 balls, guiding Bangladesh to victory in 18 overs with six wickets remaining and sealing a record-breaking win in the series opener.
