Najmul Hossain Shanto’s brilliant ton and Mustafizur Rahman’s five-for seal a 55-run victory in Chattogram, as Bangladesh clinch third consecutive ODI series

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Bangladesh secured a dominant ODI series victory against New Zealand with a convincing 55-run win in the third ODI at Chattogram on Thursday. The win marked Bangladesh’s third consecutive ODI series triumph, showcasing their growing consistency in international cricket.

After losing the opening match by 26 runs, Bangladesh bounced back strongly to claim the series. This achievement follows their earlier ODI series wins against West Indies in October 2025 and Pakistan last month, making it their first streak of three successive ODI series wins since 2021-22.

The match was defined by standout performances from Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mustafizur Rahman. Shanto ended his two-year wait for a century, scoring a शानदार 105 off 119 balls, while Mustafizur delivered a match-winning five-wicket haul—his first in seven years. Litton Das also returned to form with his first ODI fifty since the 2023 World Cup.

Bangladesh faced early trouble after slipping to 32 for 3 within nine overs. However, Shanto and Litton steadied the innings with a crucial 160-run partnership for the fourth wicket, setting a new record for Bangladesh against New Zealand. Their partnership shifted momentum after a cautious start, gradually putting pressure back on the visitors.

Shanto played the aggressor’s role, hitting nine fours and two sixes, while Litton contributed a composed 76. Despite a late slowdown due to a long batting tail, Bangladesh managed to post a competitive total, thanks largely to the middle-order resilience.

In response, New Zealand struggled against Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack. Mustafizur Rahman led from the front, striking early and removing key batters including Nick Kelly and Henry Nicholls. His variations proved difficult to handle, especially on a pitch offering assistance to seamers.

Support came from Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who kept the pressure intact with regular breakthroughs. A highlight moment came when Mehidy pulled off a शानदार diving catch at short midwicket, further denting New Zealand’s chase.

Nick Kelly fought hard with a patient 59, while Dean Foxcroft launched a late counterattack, smashing 75 off 72 balls with seven sixes. He even stitched a 50-run partnership with No. 11 Ben Lister, but the effort came too late to change the outcome.

Mustafizur eventually wrapped up the innings with his fifth wicket, sealing a comprehensive win for Bangladesh and underlining his importance to the side.

With this victory, Bangladesh continues to build momentum in ODI cricket, combining strong batting recoveries with disciplined bowling performances—an encouraging sign ahead of future international challenges.