Middle-order batter Towhid Hridoy struck a sublime unbeaten half-century as Bangladesh produced their highest successful T20I chase at home, defeating New Zealand by six wickets in the opening match of the three-game series at Bir Shrestha Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram on Monday.
Chasing a challenging 183, Bangladesh rode on Hridoy’s calculated aggression and Shamim Hossain’s late fireworks to reach the target conceding four wickets in just 18 overs, taking a 1-0 lead in the series and leaving the visitors searching for answers.
Hridoy remained unbeaten on 51 off 27 balls, smashing two fours and three sixes in a composed yet commanding innings. He first shared a game-changing 57-run stand off only 28 balls with Parvez Hossain Emon for the fourth wicket after Bangladesh were wobbling at 77 for 3 in the 11th over. Emon’s brisk 28 off 14 deliveries shifted the momentum decisively in the hosts’ favour.
After Emon’s dismissal, Shamim joined Hridoy and ensured there was no late twist. The pair added an unbroken 49 runs for the fifth wicket, with Shamim hammering 31 not out from just 13 balls, including three fours and two sixes, to seal the chase with 12 balls to spare.
Earlier, New Zealand posted 182 for 6 after being put in to bat by Bangladesh captain Liton Das. The innings was anchored by identical 51s from Dane Cleaver and Katene Clarke, who put on 88 runs for the second wicket following Tim Robinson’s run-out for a duck in the second over.
Cleaver was the aggressor, striking seven boundaries and a six in his 28-ball knock, while Clarke’s 37-ball effort featured seven fours and a six. Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain was Bangladesh’s standout bowler, claiming 2 for 32 and dismissing both set batters in successive overs to halt New Zealand’s surge.
The pace trio of Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Ripon Mondol initially struggled for control but tightened up after the breakthroughs. Tanzim removed Bevon Jacobs, while Mahedi Hasan chipped in with one wicket.
Stand-in captain Nick Kelly, leading in the absence of injured Tom Latham, scored a steady 39 before falling in the 18th over. Josh Clarkson’s unbeaten 27 off 14 balls provided late impetus, pushing New Zealand to a competitive total.
However, the target proved insufficient against a fearless Bangladesh middle order. Hridoy’s maturity under pressure, combined with Shamim’s explosive finishing, ensured a commanding win and an ideal start for the hosts in the series.
