Sheikh Mahedi Hasan sealed Bangladesh's historic first-ever T20I victory over New Zealand in Napier. Liton Das, battling cramps, played a crucial unbeaten knock of 42 off 36 deliveries, guiding Bangladesh to a five-wicket win.
Das led the chase with support from Sheikh Mahedi, who finished not out on 19 off 16 deliveries, as Bangladesh successfully chased down New Zealand's total of 134 in 18.4 overs with five wickets in hand.
In the opening game of the three-match Twenty20 series, Bangladesh's seamers dominated as New Zealand struggled to 134-9. Opting to bat first, the hosts lost three wickets for just one run early in the innings. James Neesham resisted with a knock of 48, but the Bangladesh bowlers continued their impressive form from the ODI series.
Mahedi Hasan struck early by dismissing Tim Seifert in the opening over. Shoriful Islam was the standout bowler, claiming 3-26, including consecutive dismissals of Finn Allen and Glenn Phillips. Daryl Mitchell contributed 14 runs before falling, leaving New Zealand at 20-4.
Mark Chapman added 19 runs before getting caught with the score at 50-5. Captain Mitchell Santner and Neesham tried to stabilize the innings with a 41-run partnership. Soumya Sarkar made crucial catches, dismissing Santner and earlier catching Allen in the slips.
Neesham fell just two runs short of a fifty, and Tim Southee was caught on eight, as Bangladesh's bowlers once again delivered an impressive performance.
