Dhaka witnessed a landmark achievement in the shortest format as New Zealand leg-spinner Ish Sodhi scripted his way into the T20I record books during the third match against Bangladesh on Saturday. Playing at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Sodhi became New Zealand’s leading wicket-taker in T20I cricket, reaching his 165th scalp in the format—an important milestone that saw him move past former pacer Tim Southee.
Sodhi’s milestone in a rain-affected contest
The defining moment arrived during Bangladesh’s innings when the match, affected by rain, was reduced to 15 overs per side. Even with the interruptions, Sodhi kept his strike and dismissed Shamim Hossain, triggering the historic record as he took his place at the top of New Zealand’s T20I wicket-taking list.
- Ish Sodhi reached 165 T20I wickets, making him New Zealand’s highest wicket-taker in the format.
- The milestone came in the third T20I at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.
- Sodhi’s wicket was of Shamim Hossain, taken during Bangladesh’s rain-shortened innings.
Bangladesh’s innings: 102 all out in 14.2 overs
Bangladesh found it difficult to build sustained partnerships and were ultimately dismissed for 102 in 14.2 overs. The hosts started with momentum of sorts, but the innings never settled, with wickets falling at regular intervals and leaving them unable to recover after an uneven start.
- Bangladesh were bowled out for 102 in 14.2 overs.
- Litton Das struck 26 off 17 balls as captain.
- Towhid Hridoy led the scoring with 33 off 24 deliveries.
New Zealand’s bowling and the chase
New Zealand’s bowlers delivered a tight and controlled performance, restricting Bangladesh’s scoring options throughout. Josh Clarkson stood out with the most impact spell, taking three wickets while conceding only nine runs in his two overs. Nathan Smith and Ben Sears also contributed significantly, each claiming two wickets, while Sodhi rounded off proceedings with figures of 1/22 from his three overs.
- Josh Clarkson: 3 wickets for 9 runs (in 2 overs).
- Nathan Smith: 2 wickets.
- Ben Sears: 2 wickets.
- Ish Sodhi: 1/22 from 3 overs.
Entering the series, New Zealand were placed under pressure after losing the opening T20I, going 1-0 down. The second match offered no result as it was washed out due to rain. However, New Zealand ensured the third match swung their way by completing the chase within 11.4 overs, winning by six wickets and sealing the series as well.
- New Zealand were 1-0 down in the series after Bangladesh won the first T20I.
- The second T20I was abandoned/washed out due to rain.
- New Zealand chased the target in 11.4 overs, winning by six wickets.
- The victory helped New Zealand secure the series.
