New Zealand held their nerve to defeat Bangladesh by 26 runs in the first one-day international in Mirpur on Friday, with Dean Foxcroft's composed half-century and a late bowling surge proving decisive.
Set a target of 248, Bangladesh were bowled out for 221 in 48.3 overs despite several promising partnerships, as the visitors took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Earlier, New Zealand posted 247 for eight after opting to bat at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, anchored by Henry Nicholls' 68 off 83 balls and Foxcroft's 59 from 58 deliveries.
Nicholls laid the foundation with a patient knock featuring nine fours, sharing a 73-run second-wicket stand with Will Young (30 off 42). But Bangladesh clawed back through the middle overs, reducing the tourists from 127 for two to 131 for four.
Foxcroft then rebuilt the innings with a fluent effort, striking eight boundaries while rotating the strike effectively. His partnerships with Muhammad Abbas (14 off 30) and later Nathan Smith (21 not out off 22) lifted New Zealand to a competitive total.
Bangladesh's bowlers shared the wickets, with Taskin Ahmed (2-50), Shoriful Islam (2-27) and Rishad Hossain (2-44) keeping the scoring in check for long periods.
In reply, Bangladesh started shakily as Tanzid Hasan Tamim fell for two and another early wicket left them 51 for two inside the first powerplay.
Saif Hassan steadied the innings with a measured 57 off 76 balls, while Litton Das contributed 46, the pair adding 93 runs for the third wicket to revive the chase. At 124 for three, the hosts appeared well placed.
Towhid Hridoy further boosted hopes with 55 off 60 balls, sharing a 52-run stand with Afif Hossain as Bangladesh reached 181 for four after 40 overs, needing 67 from the final 10 overs.
However, the chase unravelled dramatically under pressure. Bangladesh lost six wickets for just 40 runs in the closing stages, collapsing from 184 for four to 221 all out.
New Zealand's seamers led the fightback, with Blair Tickner claiming four wickets while Smith picked up three, triggering the decisive collapse.
Foxcroft was named player of the match for his all-round contribution, having anchored the innings before chipping in with the ball.
The result gives New Zealand early momentum in the series, while Bangladesh will rue missed chances in the field and a middle-order collapse that cost them a winnable game.
