Bangladesh suffered a massive defeat by 86 runs against New Zealand in the second game of the three-match ODI series.
On Saturday, the hosts were bowled out for 168 runs in 41.1 overs in chasing the 255-run target set by New Zealand at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur of the capital.
Ish Sodhi played a pivotal role in securing the victory for the visitors, excelling both with the bat and ball. He contributed crucial runs towards the end of New Zealand's innings and then wreaked havoc among the Bangladesh batters, finishing with his career-best ODI figures of 6-39.
Kyle Jamieson made an early breakthrough by dismissing skipper Litton Das (6) during the powerplay. Following that, it was the Sodhi show as he struck twice in his second over, removing Tanzid Hasan Tamim (16) and Soumya Sarkar (0).
While Tamim Iqbal (44) and Mahmudullah Riyad (49) showed some resilience, their forties were insufficient to bring Bangladesh closer to the target. In the end, Nasum Ahmed (21) displayed some intent but was dismissed early.
Apart from Sodhi, Kyle Jamieson picked up two wickets, while skipper Lockie Ferguson and Cole McConchie each claimed one.
Batting first, New Zealand managed to amass a challenging total of 254 runs despite facing early setbacks in overcast conditions. Henry Nicholls (49) and Tom Blundell (68) stabilized the innings with a crucial 95-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
After that partnership was broken, New Zealand continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. Thanks to contributions from Ish Sodhi (35), Kyle Jamieson (20), and Lockie Ferguson (13), they managed to cross the 250-run mark.
For Bangladesh, Mahedi Hasan and Khaled Ahmed each picked up three wickets, while Mustafizur Rahman secured two. Hasan Mahmud and Nasum Ahmed contributed with one wicket each.
Bangladesh made two changes in their lineup, with Khaled Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud replacing Nurul Hasan Shohan and Tanzim Hasan Sakib. Khaled made his debut in this match.
The first match of the series ended without a result due to inclement weather. The third and final match of the series is scheduled for September 26th.
BDST: 2234 HRS, SEP 23, 2023
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