Bangladesh chased down a target of 183 to defeat New Zealand by six wickets in the first T20 international in Chattogram on Monday, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
The hosts completed the chase in 18 overs, powered by a strong finish from Towhid Hridoy and Shamim Hossain after a competitive first innings.
Earlier, New Zealand posted 182 for 6 after being put in to bat. Dane Cleaver scored 51 off 28 balls and Katene Clarke added 51 off 37, sharing an 88-run partnership following an early setback.
Bangladesh’s bowlers pulled things back in the middle overs, with Rishad Hossain taking 2 for 32. Mahedi Hasan and Shoriful Islam also picked up a wicket each as the visitors were restricted below 200.
In reply, Bangladesh got off to a steady start but lost wickets at regular intervals, keeping the match evenly balanced.
The momentum shifted when Hridoy and Parvez Hossain Emon counterattacked, adding quick runs to put the chase back on track. Emon scored 28 off 14 balls before departing.
Hridoy then anchored the innings with an unbeaten 51 from 27 deliveries, while Shamim Hossain finished the game with a rapid 31 not out off 13 balls.
The victory gives Bangladesh an early advantage in the three-match series, with the next match to follow later this week.
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