Bangladesh's pace attack showcased its prowess on a green Napier pitch, orchestrating a historic nine-wicket triumph in the third and final one-day international against New Zealand on Saturday.
After suffering defeats in the first two matches, Bangladesh executed a remarkable turnaround at McLean Park, restricting the hosts to a mere 98 runs in 34.1 overs.
The ensuing run chase unfolded seamlessly, led by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who notched an unbeaten half-century as Bangladesh effortlessly reached 99-1 in 15.1 overs.
This victory marked Bangladesh's maiden ODI triumph over the Black Caps on New Zealand soil, breaking a streak of 18 consecutive defeats.
Shanto's strategic decision to win the toss and opt for fielding on the green, lively surface paid off as his seamers exploited the conditions with stellar performances.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib (3-14) and Soumya Sarkar (3-18) delivered career-best figures, while Shoriful Islam's 3-22 included the crucial dismissal of top-scorer Will Young, caught in the gully after contributing 26 runs.
Despite Young's impressive form in the series, with scores of 105 and 89 in the previous victories, Captain Tom Latham (21) and Young managed a 36-run partnership for the third wicket. However, Islam's clean-bowling of Latham triggered a collapse, resulting in the last eight wickets falling for a mere 40 runs, many due to wayward shots.
The run chase faced an early hiccup when opening batter Sarkar, who scored 169 in the previous Napier encounter, had to retire hurt for four due to an eye problem. However, loose bowling by New Zealand eased the pressure, and Shanto's unbeaten 51, coupled with Anamul Haque's contribution, secured the victory with a partnership of 69 runs. Haque was the lone batsman dismissed, edging paceman William O'Rourke on 37.
