Bangladesh’s promising chase fizzled out at the final hurdle as New Zealand claimed a 26-run victory in the opening ODI at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday, overcoming spirited half-centuries from Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy.
Set a target of 247, the hosts never quite recovered from an early double blow. Nathan Smith struck twice in the fourth over, removing Tanzid Tamim and Najmul Hossain Shanto to leave Bangladesh reeling.
Saif and Litton Das rebuilt with a steady 93-run stand, briefly putting the chase back on track. Saif’s measured 57 off 76 balls anchored the recovery before Will O’Rourke broke through. Litton, fluent for his 46, fell soon after to Dean Foxcroft, halting momentum at a crucial stage.
Hridoy then shouldered the responsibility, crafting a composed 55 while adding 52 runs with Afif Hossain. But Afif’s sluggish 27 consumed valuable deliveries, and once Jayden Lennox dismissed him, the chase lost direction. Hridoy fought on but became the last man out as Bangladesh were bowled out for 221.
Blair Tickner proved decisive, finishing with 4-40, while Smith backed him up with three wickets. Lennox maintained control through the middle overs.
Earlier, New Zealand recovered from a shaky start to post 247 for eight after opting to bat first. Henry Nicholls struck a composed 68, while Foxcroft added a brisk 59 to lift the visitors.
Bangladesh made early inroads through Shoriful Islam, who removed Nick Kelly and could have had Will Young cheaply if not for a dropped catch. Young capitalised on the reprieve with a steady 30, sharing a 73-run stand with Nicholls.
Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain turned the tide briefly, dismissing both set batters to leave New Zealand wobbling at 127 for four. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shoriful kept the pressure on, but Foxcroft’s counterattacking knock ensured a competitive total.
Late strikes from Taskin Ahmed, who claimed two wickets, prevented further damage, though the total ultimately proved just beyond Bangladesh’s reach.
The defeat leaves Bangladesh trailing 0-1 in the three-match series, with their middle-order fightback overshadowed by early setbacks and a lack of finishing composure.