NZ VS BAN T20I

Right then. That's it from the coverage of this game. Bangladesh continue their dominance in their own backyard. They have taken a 1-0 lead in the series. The visitors will look to come stronger in the next game. The two teams meet again on 3rd September 2021 at 4 pm Local (10 am GMT). Do join us for the same. Till then, take care and goodbye.

Bangladesh's win though was set up by their bowlers. Tom Latham won the toss and decided to bat first and that is the only thing that went their way. New Zealand lost wickets at regular intervals and were always behind the curve. Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls tried to repair things but they too fell after getting starts. In the end, they were bowled out for 60 and could not even play out their 20 overs. Bangladesh, on the other hand, were brilliant with the ball. Shakib Al Hasan, Nasum Ahmed and Mohammad Saifuddin took 2 wickets each while Mahedi Hasan took 1. Mustafizur Rahman was sensational too as he took 3 wickets and deceived the batsmen with his variations. Overall, it was a game that was thoroughly dominated by Bangladesh.

Mahmudullah, the winning skipper, says that winning the first game is good but they have to carry this momentum forward. Credits the bowlers and says that they were very disciplined and stuck to their plans. Adds that he would have batted first as well, but the toss is not in anyone's control.

Shakib Al Hasan, MAN OF THE MATCH, is up for a chat. He says it is a very good feeling when you win the first game of the series, especially against New Zealand against whom they had never gotten over the line. Adds that the batting gets a bit difficult on this pitch and will look to rectify those mistakes.

Tom Latham, the losing captain, says that their batting start was quite disappointing. Adds that they tried to repair things in the middle overs but kept losing wickets regularly. Says that they will learn plenty of things and try to bat better in these conditions. Further adds that batting here is very different as compared to batting back in New Zealand.

The target was a small one but New Zealand spinners tried their best to defend it. Ajaz Patel and Cole McConchie took 1 wicket each at the start to keep things interesting. But a nice stand between Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim repaired things for the hosts. Shakib Al Hasan fell for 25 but by then the hosts were very close to winning the game. In the end, Mahmudullah joined Rahim to seal the deal. This is the same template that was seen when Bangladesh beat Australia not too long ago. The bowlers dominate the game on slow pitches and won them the games.

A thumping victory for Bangladesh. They completely dominated the game and would be happy with their show. This is also Bangladesh's first victory in T20Is against New Zealand. The Kiwis, on the other hand, had a day to forget as they were outplayed.

FOUR! Here come the winning runs. Mushfiqur Rahim ends things in style here. Touch short and on off. Rahim goes back and whips it over mid-wicket. The ball ends up in the boundary. Bangladesh win the game by 7 wickets.

EDGY! Floated full and on off. Mahmudullah looks to sweep it but only gets a top edge. The ball goes over the keeper's head. The batters take a single.

Loopy ball, on off. Mahmudullah looks to sweep it away but cannot find the gap.

On off, kept out watchfully.

Full and on off. Mahmudullah defends it out watchfully.

WIDE! Looped up, down the leg side. Mahmudullah looks to flick it away but misses. Wide called.

Floated full and on off. Rahim works it towards long on off the inner half. The batters take one.

Cole McConchie (3-0-12-1) is back on.

On a length, outside off. Mahmudullah taps it to point.

Back of a length and around off. Mahmudullah guides it to short third man.