Bangladesh clinched a 2-1 series triumph over New Zealand in Chattogram today with a commanding 55-run victory in the third and decisive ODI. The Tigers achieved several remarkable feats in the process:
– Bangladesh’s 55-run triumph against New Zealand in Chattogram stands as their largest victory margin by runs over the Black Caps in ODIs, surpassing their previous best of a 43-run win in Mirpur back in 2013.
– This marks only the third instance of Bangladesh winning a three-match ODI series after losing the opening game. The previous occurrences were against Zimbabwe in 2009 and South Africa in 2015, both matches played on home turf.
– Najmul Hossain Shanto showcased a stellar performance by scoring 105 runs off 119 deliveries, securing his fourth ODI century. This innings ended his 20-match century drought, with his last century also being at the same venue in March 2024 against Sri Lanka. Notably, all four of Shanto’s ODI centuries have contributed to Bangladesh’s victories.
– Litton Das made a notable contribution with 76 runs off 91 balls, breaking a 19-innings dry spell for an ODI fifty. His last half-century was against India in Pune during the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup. Throughout this period, Litton reached the 40s four times, with three instances in his last four innings before yesterday, along with four ducks.
– Left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman achieved his sixth five-wicket haul in ODIs, placing him joint-second among left-arm pacers alongside Wasim Akram and Trent Boult. Leading this category is Mitchell Starc with nine five-wicket hauls, while the overall ODI record is held by Waqar Younis with 13.
– The 2-1 series victory over New Zealand marks Bangladesh’s third consecutive ODI series win, following successes against Pakistan and West Indies at home. This achievement signifies their first such winning streak since August 2022, following a string of four consecutive series defeats, including whitewashes against West Indies and Afghanistan.
– Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz joins a select group of Habibul Bashar, Shakib Al Hasan, Mashrafe bin Mortaza, and Tamim Iqbal in leading Bangladesh to three successive ODI series wins. Mashrafe holds the record with six consecutive series wins between 2014 and 2016, while Tamim achieved five between 2021 and 2022.
– Nahid Rana secured his second consecutive Player of the Series accolade, having previously shared it with Tanzid Tamim against Pakistan in March. In both series, Nahid claimed eight wickets, including a five-wicket haul in each. Shakib Al Hasan holds Bangladesh’s record with seven Player of the Series awards, with Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim each having six to their names.