Mustafizur’s five-for after Shanto’s hundred seal series win for Bangladesh

Bangladesh sealed a memorable comeback series win with a commanding 55-run victory over New Zealand in the third ODI in Chattogram on Thursday, riding on a brilliant century from Najmul Hossain Shanto and a long-awaited five-wicket haul from Mustafizur Rahman.

The win marked Bangladesh’s third consecutive ODI series triumph. Having lost the opening match by 26 runs, the Tigers bounced back strongly with a six-wicket win in Mirpur before delivering a clinical performance in the decider.

Shanto and Mustafizur were at the heart of the victory, both ending prolonged dry spells in emphatic fashion. Shanto struck 105 off 119 deliveries, his first ODI hundred in two years and fourth overall, while Mustafizur returned figures that signaled his first five-wicket haul in seven years. Litton Das also contributed significantly, ending his own lean run with a composed 76.

Bangladesh’s innings, however, began on a shaky note. Reduced to 32 for 3 within the first nine overs, the hosts were under early pressure after Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, and Soumya Sarkar fell cheaply. Shanto and Litton then combined to stage a remarkable recovery, stitching together a 160-run stand for the fourth wicket -- the highest for Bangladesh against New Zealand in ODIs.

The pair initially adopted a cautious approach, focusing on rebuilding the innings. Gradually, they shifted gears as New Zealand’s fielding lapses provided opportunities. Shanto led the charge with fluent strokeplay, while Litton anchored the innings despite a slow start.

Shanto reached his half-century before accelerating further, striking boundaries with authority. He survived a dropped catch on 75 and capitalised fully, bringing up his century with composure. 
Litton, after taking time to settle, found rhythm later in his innings but fell for 76 while attempting to accelerate.

Following their dismissals, Bangladesh struggled to maintain momentum in the final overs. The lower order failed to capitalise, managing only limited boundaries in the last ten overs, but the total proved sufficient given the conditions.

In reply, New Zealand never quite found stability. Mustafizur, returning after missing the first two matches due to injury, led the bowling attack with precision and experience. He struck early by dismissing Henry Nicholls, setting the tone for Bangladesh’s defense.

Regular wickets kept New Zealand in check. Captain Tom Latham departed cheaply, while Will Young and others failed to build substantial partnerships. Nick Kelly offered resistance with a patient 59, but his dismissal to Mustafizur’s clever variation effectively dented the visitors’ hopes.

The Bangladeshi bowlers maintained disciplined lines, with support from Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Rana’s pace, highlighted by a sharp yorker to dismiss Josh Clarkson, added further pressure on the visitors.

Dean Foxcroft provided late entertainment with a counterattacking 75, including seven sixes, and shared a record tenth-wicket stand with Ben Lister. However, the late surge came too late to threaten Bangladesh’s position.

Mustafizur eventually wrapped up the innings (5 for 43), completing his five-wicket haul and sealing a well-earned victory for the hosts.