Bangladesh hold New Zealand to 247-8 in ODI opener

Bangladesh produced a disciplined bowling performance to limit New Zealand to 247 for 8 in the first one-day international (ODI) of three-match series at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, New Zealand were rocked early by left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam, who replaced Mustafizur Rahman due to a knee issue. 

Shoriful struck quickly, dismissing Nick Kelly for just seven and conceding only nine runs in his first five overs while also creating additional chances.

Henry Nicholls steadied the innings with a well-crafted 68 off 83 balls, hitting nine boundaries for his 17th ODI fifty. He built useful partnerships with Will Young (30) and captain Tom Latham (14) after the early setbacks.

Young, who was dropped early, eventually fell to leg-spinner Rishad Hossain while attempting a reverse sweep. Rishad struck again shortly after, removing Nicholls in a similar manner as New Zealand lost momentum.

Latham and Muhammad Abbas could not capitalize on their starts, but all-rounder Dean Foxcroft countered with a brisk 59 off 58 balls, including eight fours, to lift the total past 200. He was later bowled by Nahid Rana while attempting a yorker.

Nathan Smith added an unbeaten 21 from 22 deliveries to provide a late boost and help New Zealand reach a competitive total.

Shoriful finished with 2 for 27 to lead the bowling effort, while Taskin Ahmed and Rishad picked up two wickets each.

SH