Bangladesh and New Zealand squared off in the opening Twenty20 International of the series at McLean Park in Napier. Bangladesh won the toss and decided to field in an attempt to build on their victory over the hosts in the ODI played at the same stadium. Even though New Zealand won the series, Bangladesh’s enthusiastic performance in the most recent One-Day International was encouraging.
Bangladesh decided to go for spin in the first over of the match, which took an unexpected turn. New Zealand was reduced to a perilous 1/3 as a result of Mahedi Hasan and Shoriful Islam’s furious seam attack during the powerplay. James Neesham, who appeared destined for a serious knock, fell just short of his fiftieth birthday, while Mark Chapman made an attempt to recover. Chapman’s dismissal put an end to their efforts.
But Neesham came through as the hero, hammering home a quick 48 off just 29 deliveries. With the help of captain Santner, they attempted to reach a respectable score of 150, but a string of late wickets slowed their progress, limiting them to 134. As a result of their persistent wicket losses, New Zealand’s score appeared to be at least 20 runs short of what the Napier pitch could support.
Bangladesh appears confident as it pursues a modest goal.
The visitors took an aggressive stance, even though New Zealand responded with early victories during Bangladesh’s pursuit. With poise, Litton Das took command and calmly increased the pace, leading his team to win with minimal late drama. Although Litton’s 42-run score was impressive, Bangladesh’s teamwork in preventing wicket losses in succession was vital. In the first game of the series, Bangladesh defeated India by 5 wickets thanks to a crucial 40-run partnership between Litton and Mahedi, which was reached in just 25 balls.
As Bangladesh celebrated their first-ever Twenty20 international triumph in New Zealand, they gave praise to their bowlers for laying the groundwork early on. With the exception of Litton’s strong innings, there were no noteworthy individual scores; still, Bangladesh’s well-organized effort guaranteed a comfortable victory, signifying a significant turning point in their T20I campaign in New Zealand.
Following Bangladesh’s victory against New Zealand in the first Twenty20 International, these were the reactions from ‘X’ users:
What a performance by Bangladesh 🇧🇩👏
The Best New Zealand by 5 Wickets 👑#NZvBAN pic.twitter.com/fDbhVcV6Ep
— 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐥 👑 (@_AhmadTallal) December 27, 2023
What a performance by Bangladesh 👏
They have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.#NZvBAN | 📝: https://t.co/AYk3ZsriBQ pic.twitter.com/KjfiVrnagW
— ICC (@ICC) December 27, 2023
Bangladesh get their FIRST T20I win over New Zealand 𝗜𝗡 New Zealand! 👏
Bangladesh 1-0 NZ#NZvBAN pic.twitter.com/khnXMYM8Rl
— Sports Production (@SportsProd37) December 27, 2023
BANGLADESH GOT THEIR FIRST T20I WIN IN NEW ZEALAND AGAINST THEM 💥
So Bangladesh go 1-0 up! 🇧🇩#NZvBAN #BANvNZ #Victory #celebration pic.twitter.com/HIMrIOl02C
— Abtahi Omi (@abtahi52) December 27, 2023