In a stunning turnaround, Bangladesh achieved a historic nine-wicket victory over New Zealand in the
third and final one-day international at McLean Park in Napier on December 23, 2023. After conceding
the series in the first two matches, Bangladesh’s pace attack dominated, restricting New Zealand to a
mere 98 runs in 34.1 overs on a green and bouncy pitch.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib (3-14), Soumya Sarkar (3-18), and Shoriful Islam (3-22) spearheaded the Bangladesh bowling attack, with Islam dismissing top-scorer Will Young for 26. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s strategic decision to insert the Black Caps proved fruitful as his seamers exploited the conditions.
Chasing the modest target, Bangladesh encountered an early setback when Soumya Sarkar retired hurt, but captain Shanto’s unbeaten half-century (51*) and Anamul Haque’s 37 ensured a comfortable victory at 99-1 in 15.1 overs. This triumph marked Bangladesh’s first-ever ODI win over New Zealand on New Zealand soil after 18 previous defeats.
The teams will now shift focus to a three-match T20 international series, commencing in Napier on
Wednesday, as Bangladesh celebrates a memorable ODI series victory.