New Zealand fought back from a precarious position to beat Bangladesh by six wickets in a rain-shortened third Twenty20 International, sealing a 1-1 draw in the three-match series on Saturday.
Set a revised target of 103 in 15 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, the visitors chased it down comfortably in 11.4 overs, thanks to a stunning counter-attacking half-century from Bevon Jacobs.
New Zealand were rocked early, slumping to 33 for four inside five overs as Bangladesh's pace attack made full use of the conditions. Shoriful Islam led the charge with the ball, removing Katene Clarke, Dane Cleaver and Tim Robinson, who had provided early impetus with a brisk 23 off 14 balls. Shoriful returned figures of three for 19 in an impressive spell.
However, Jacobs turned the game on its head with a fearless innings, smashing five sixes and two fours in an unbeaten 53 off just 23 deliveries. Displaying composure and power-hitting, he stitched together an unbroken partnership with Dean Foxcroft, who contributed a steady 15 not out, as the pair guided their side home without further loss.
Earlier, Bangladesh's innings was derailed by a dramatic collapse following a lengthy rain interruption. After being sent in to bat, the hosts struggled for rhythm on a damp surface but managed to reach 50 for three before rain forced players off the field for nearly two hours.
When play resumed with the innings reduced, Bangladesh failed to regain momentum, losing their last six wickets for just 26 runs in 25 deliveries to be bowled out for 102 in 14.2 overs. Litton Das top-scored with 25, while none of the middle-order batters could convert starts into meaningful contributions.
New Zealand's bowlers capitalised brilliantly after the restart. Josh Clarkson led the effort with three for nine, applying relentless pressure in the death overs. Ben Sears supported well with two for 12, while Nathan Smith struck crucial early blows, dismissing Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon in the same over to finish with two for 14.
The result meant the series ended evenly at 1-1. Bangladesh had taken the lead with a convincing win in the opening match in Chattogram, while the second encounter was washed out without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain.
Despite the shared T20 spoils, Bangladesh can take confidence from their overall performance against the tourists, having earlier secured the One Day International series. However, the dramatic collapse in the decider and inability to close out the match after reducing New Zealand to 33 for four will be areas of concern for the hosts going forward.
