New Zealand produced a commanding performance in the rain-affected third and final T20 International to defeat Bangladesh by six wickets and level the series 1-1 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka on Saturday.
In a match reduced to 15 overs per side due to rain interruptions, Bangladesh struggled badly with the bat and were bowled out for just 102 runs in 14.2 overs after being put in to bat.
Only Towhid Hridoy showed some resistance with 33 off 24 balls, while captain Litton Das added 26 off 17 deliveries. However, the rest of the batting order collapsed under pressure as New Zealand bowlers maintained control after the rain break.
Among the New Zealand bowlers, Josh Clarkson delivered an excellent spell, taking 3 wickets for just 9 runs, while Nathan Smith and Ben Sears picked up two wickets each.
Chasing a revised target of 103, New Zealand made light work of the total, reaching it in 11.4 overs with 20 balls remaining. Bevon Jacobs starred with a blistering unbeaten 62 off just 31 balls, guiding his side to a comfortable win. Shoriful Islam earlier provided some resistance with figures of 3 for 19 in three overs.
Bangladesh had started the series strongly with a six-wicket win in the opening match in Chattogram, while the second game was abandoned due to rain without a ball being bowled.
Despite their early lead, the Tigers could not carry momentum into the decider, as another batting collapse proved costly in the shortened encounter.
