New Zealand delivered a controlled all-round display to beat Bangladesh by 26 runs in the opening ODI of their three-match series on Friday, moving ahead 1-0. Battling intense heat, the visitors first built a competitive total and then used disciplined bowling to restrict Bangladesh on a slower track, sealing the win with wickets in clusters.
Key takeaways
- New Zealand won the series opener by 26 runs to take an early 1-0 lead.
- After making 247/8, New Zealand defended 248 on a slow pitch, bowling Bangladesh out for 221 in 48.3 overs.
- Blair Tickner, Nathan Smith and Will O’Rourke combined for eight wickets as Bangladesh struggled to accelerate at key moments.
- Henry Nicholls made 68 and Dean Foxcroft contributed 59, helping New Zealand post a solid platform.
- Bangladesh’s best recovery came through Saif Hasan (57) and Liton Das (46), but O’Rourke’s breakthrough swung momentum back.
- Tickner’s late burst was decisive, finishing with four wickets to remove the tail.
New Zealand set the pace with 247/8
New Zealand chose to bat first and finished on 247/8, with their innings shaped by two key contributions: Henry Nicholls made a steady 68 and Dean Foxcroft added a quick 59. Early on, the batting side lost a wicket, but Nicholls took control and anchored the recovery with a 73-run stand alongside Will Young, who scored 30.
Shoriful Islam made a strong impact for Bangladesh in the bowling phase, returning to post figures of 2/27 in a spell that kept the pressure on during the middle stages.
Bangladesh’s chase faltered under sustained pressure
Chasing 248, Bangladesh began poorly and slipped to 21/2. Their response arrived through a productive 93-run partnership between Saif Hasan, who made 57, and Liton Das, who contributed 46, which temporarily revived the chase.
However, the momentum shifted again when Will O’Rourke struck to remove Saif at a crucial time. After that breakthrough, Bangladesh could not rebuild in the same rhythm, and the innings began to unravel despite brief resistance.
Towhid Hridoy and Afif Hossain then put together a 52-run stand, but Jayden Lennox, bowling left-arm spin, broke that partnership and left Bangladesh with too much ground to make up in the closing overs.
Late wickets seal the 26-run win
Tickner, who had started the day with uneven returns, found his rhythm when it mattered most. He delivered a match-winning final spell, taking four wickets to clear the tail and ensure New Zealand’s total was never seriously threatened. Smith also played an important early role, hitting twice in consecutive deliveries and finishing with three wickets.
With better execution in both phases, New Zealand capped off a strong start to the series. Bangladesh now have plenty to work on ahead of the must-win second ODI.
