New Zealand comfortably chased down Bangladesh's challenging total of 291 to win the second ODI by seven wickets and clinch the three-match series with one match remaining. The victory was fueled by composed half-centuries from Henry Nicholls (95) and Will Young (89), reports UNB.
Soumya Sarkar was the undisputed star for Bangladesh, smashing a career-best 169 – the highest ODI score by any Asian batter on New Zealand soil. However, his heroics were not enough to compensate for the lack of support from the rest of the batting lineup. Apart from Soumya and a fighting 45 from Mushfiqur Rahim, the middle order collapsed, leaving Bangladesh's total short of a truly threatening one.
William O'Rourke and Jacob Duffy, with three wickets each, were the standout bowlers for New Zealand, effectively restricting Bangladesh's late flourish.
In response, the Kiwis' chase was a clinical affair. Nicholls and Young laid the foundation with a commanding century partnership, taking the pressure off the middle and lower order. The wicket, admittedly offering little assistance to the bowlers, further aided their dominance.
Bangladesh's bowling lacked penetration on a traditionally batter-friendly surface. Debutant leg-spinner Riashad Hossain failed to pick up a wicket. Hasan Mahmud was the best Bangladeshi bowler in this match with two scalps, but his expensive spell, 57 runs in 7 overs, reflected the overall struggles of the Bangladeshi attack.
The final ODI of the series will be played on December 23, followed by a three-match T20I series commencing on December 27. Both Bangladesh and New Zealand will be looking to end the tour on a high note in the remaining matches.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
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