Bangladesh achieved a remarkable feat by winning by nine wickets against New Zealand in the final ODI of their three-match series on 23 December 2023. The victory marks Bangladesh’s first ODI series win against the Black Caps, cementing their position as a force to be reckoned with in world cricket.
The match itself was a nail-biter, with both teams clashing throughout the day. Batting first, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 271/8 on the board. Opener Finn Allen set the platform for a brilliant score by playing a brilliant innings of 101 runs off just 62 balls. However, the Bangladeshi bowlers fought back in the latter stages, with Mustafizur Rahman and Ibadah Hussain picking up three wickets each to restrict the visitors.
Bangladesh target in reply
Bangladesh’s chase in reply got off to a shaky start. They lost Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das cheaply, leaving them struggling at 28/2. However, veteran campaigner Shakib Al Hasan rose to the occasion with a brilliant century. He scored 128 off 121 balls, propelling the Bangladesh innings to victory.
Shakib received valuable support from Mahmudullah, who scored 49 consecutive runs. The two put on a crucial partnership of 127 runs, which kept Bangla firmly in check in pursuit of the target. Despite a late wobble, Bangla Team managed to hold their nerve and cross the finish line in the 48th over, sparking jubilant scenes from the Dhaka crowd.
Shakib Al Hasan was rightly adjudged Player of the Match for his match-winning innings. He was also awarded the Player of the Series trophy for his consistent performance throughout the series. His efforts were instrumental in Bangladesh’s historic victory, which is a testament to his skill and leadership qualities.
Bangladesh’s win against New Zealand is a major milestone for the Tigers. It not only marks their first ODI series win against the Black Caps but also serves as a confidence booster for the team. The win comes at a crucial time, as Bangladesh prepares for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, which will be held in India later this year.
The historic win against New Zealand has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. It has shown that Bangladesh are a team to be reckoned with, and are no longer the underdogs they once were. With Shakib-ul-Hasan leading the charge and a talented young squad at their disposal, Bangladesh are poised for even greater success in the coming years.
Historic win for Bangladesh:
- Bangladesh won the first ODI series against New Zealand.
- Shakib Al Hasan’s match-winning century and Player of the Series award.
- A major confidence booster for Bangladesh ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
Bangladesh’s emergence as a force to be reckoned with in the world of cricket.
This win is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Bangladesh cricket team and their passionate supporters. It is a moment that will forever be etched in the memories of Bangladeshi cricket fans, and serves as a beacon of hope for the future of cricket in the nation.
