Fast bowler Nahid Rana delivered a scintillating spell of pace bowling to guide Bangladesh national cricket team to a commanding six-wicket victory over New Zealand national cricket team in the second one-day international on Monday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, leveling the three-match series at 1-1.
The 23-year-old Rana returned outstanding figures of 5-32, his second five-wicket haul in ODIs, as Bangladesh bowled New Zealand out for a modest 198 in Dhaka. The hosts then chased down the target with ease, reaching 199-4 in just 35.3 overs with 14.3 overs to spare.
Bangladesh's reply was anchored by opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim, who struck an aggressive 76 off 58 balls, laced with 10 fours and four sixes. He shared a crucial 120-run third-wicket partnership with Najmul Hossain Shanto, who made a composed 50 before being forced to retire hurt due to cramp.
The chase had not begun smoothly for Bangladesh, as both Saif Hassan and Soumya Sarkar fell early for eight runs each.
However, Tanzid's counter-attacking approach quickly shifted momentum, helping the hosts recover to 67 in the first 10 overs.
Shanto provided stability at the other end, bringing up his half-century off 71 balls. After both he and Tanzid departed, Tanzid falling while attempting a big shot against spinner Jayden Lennox. But Towhid Hridoy (30 not out) and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz (8 not out) ensured there were no further hiccups.
Earlier, Rana set the tone with the ball, striking at key moments across four separate spells. He consistently broke partnerships, often claiming a wicket in the opening over of each spell, keeping New Zealand under relentless pressure.
Left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam provided excellent support, finishing with 2-32 from his 10 overs, including the key wicket of New Zealand's top scorer Nick Kelly, who made 83. Kelly's innings was the backbone of the visitors' total, marking his maiden ODI half-century, but he received little support from the rest of the batting lineup.
No other New Zealand batter crossed 20, with Muhammad Abbas contributing 19. Bangladesh's disciplined bowling attack also saw contributions from Taskin Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, and Soumya Sarkar, who chipped in with a wicket each.
Shoriful's tight opening spell - six overs for just 17 runs, including 29 dot balls - put New Zealand immediately on the back foot. Rana then tightened the screws further, ensuring the tourists never gained momentum.
The series is now finely poised at 1-1, with the decider set to take place in Chattogram on Thursday, where both sides will look to clinch the series after this dominant Bangladesh comeback.
