Rishad Ahmed showed a stellar allrounder performance as Bangladesh beat New Zealand XI by 26 runs at Lincoln today in their lone practice game ahead of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand national team.

Rishad, who played three T20 Internationals for Bangladesh so far, showed his credential in 50-over cricket too, hitting a 54 ball-87 with 11 fours and four sixes before claiming 3-52 with leg-spin.

Three other batters also hit half-century with opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim making 46 ball-58, Soumya Sarkar smashing 56 ball-59 and Liton Das scoring 55 off 63 as Bangladesh piled up 334 before being all out in 49.5 overs.

Samrath Singh was the highest wicket-taker for New Zealand XI with 4-73 while James Hastshorn and Joey Field took two wickets apiece.

The youthful New Zealand XI, which was formed with the players of development squad, fought well against a side, loaded with a huge experience. The New Zealand youngsters, most of who are yet to make their debut even in their regional team, gave Bangladesh a huge scare before being all out for 308 in 49.2 overs.

Captain Bharat Popli made team-high 92 0ff 90, hitting 13 boundaries while Sandeep Patel hammered a 77 ball-89 with 11 fours and two sixes. Joey Field was not out on 33.

Afif Hossain with 3-26 and Hasan Mahmud with 2-36 complemented Rishad's effort.

The first of three-match ODI series between Bangladesh and New Zealand starts on Sunday University of Otago Oval, Dunedin. The match starts at 4 AM (Bangladesh Time).

Bangladesh are yet to win any ODI or T20 match on New Zealand soil. Last year however they won a Test here in a stunning fashion to snap their recurring losing streak.

BDST: 1754 HRS, DEC 14, 2023
MN/SMS