Bangladesh VS New Zealand ODI Series
1st Match Played at SBNCS, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 21 September, 2023
New Zealand 136/5 in 33.4 Overs (Will Young 58, Henry Nicholls 44, Mustafizur Rahman 3/27, Nasum Ahmed 2/21)
Match ended in no result for rain interruption
The first match of the three matches ODI series between visiting New Zealand and host Bangladesh ended in no result as several spells of rain restricted the match to 33.4 overs of New Zealand innings.
On a sluggish wicket gripping and turning Bangladesh bowlers and fielders kept it tight. The feature of the match was Bangladesh cutter master Mustafizur striking two early blows kept visitors in check. Mustafizur and rookie Tanzim Tamim exploited the opportunity in the absence of three front line pacers constantly teased the Kiwi batsmen in the corridor of uncertainty. Nasum and Mahedi also bowled tight.
However, Young and Nicholls, two world cup squad members of Kiwis stitching together a 3rd wicket partnership of 97 took the visitors to a zone of safety before Bangladesh spinner Nasum Ahmed again striking two successive blows left the tourists guessing at 136/5. It could be an interesting match if it proceeded to a normal end. But heavy rain ruined the match after 33.4 overs with Bangladesh looking in control. It is not sure whether rain will allow the other two matches to complete as a depression is believed to have developed in the Bay of Bengal. Rain has become an integral part of cricket being played anywhere.
The teams gave rest to most of their first-choice players for keeping them fresh for the ICC World cup starting in India in a couple of weeks. The stakes were higher for Bangladesh as two of their veterans Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah Raid returned to the team after a while. Tamim was nursing his injury and Mahmudullah was rested according to team management. However, rain did not let them bat. Bangladesh is desperately seeking options for the opening partnership an ideal back up for Tamim and Litton. Bangladesh also wants to check the form and fitness of Mahmudullah Riad to bolster the late middle order batting. Team management also want to judge Soumya Sarkar as a pace bowling all-rounder. Match one gave no opportunity to test and judge any of the above. However, in testing condition Young and Nicholls had useful batting practice.
Cricket admirers will have to look to the heavens for letting the reaming two matches going to the distance. Bangladesh lost an opportunity to test and judge some fringe players. However, Mustafizur and Nasum had useful bowling practice.
BDST: 0517 HRS, SEP 22, 2023
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