Shanto and Mustafizur Shine in 3rd ODI as Bangladesh Win Series Over New Zealand

CHATTOGRAM: Najmul Hossain Shanto’s masterful century and a lethal five-wicket haul from Mustafizur Rahman propelled Bangladesh to a commanding 55-run victory over New Zealand in the third ODI. Bangladesh clinched the three-match series 2-1 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Thursday.

In a winner-takes-all encounter, Bangladesh’s resilience was tested early when Tom Latham elected to field first. The hosts found themselves in a precarious position at 32/3 within the first 10 overs, as New Zealand’s Will O’Rourke exploited the early moisture to remove the top-order. However, the game shifted dramatically through a monumental 160-run stand for the fourth wicket.

Najmul Hossain Shanto anchored the innings with a sublime 105 off 119 deliveries, striking 11 boundaries and two sixes. He found an able partner in Litton Das, whose 76 off 91 provided the necessary impetus to the scoring rate. While the lower order struggled to accelerate against O’Rourke’s disciplined death bowling (3/32), Bangladesh managed to post a defendable total of 265/8.

New Zealand’s chase began with intent, but they were never allowed to settle. The "Fizz" returned to his vintage best, utilizing his trademark cutters to dismantle the Kiwi top order. Mustafizur Rahman broke the opening stand early and returned in the middle overs to strike vital blows just as New Zealand looked to build momentum.

Dean Foxcroft kept New Zealand’s hopes alive with a gritty 75, showcasing excellent footwork against the spinners. He was well-supported by Nick Kelly (59). However, the reintroduction of Mustafizur triggered a catastrophic collapse. The left-arm seamer claimed 5/43, his best figures in recent years.

Speedster Nahid Rana provided the finishing touches, clocking speeds north of 145 clicks to rattle the tail. New Zealand was eventually bundled out for 210 in the 45th over, sparking jubilant celebrations in Chattogram.

"The way Shanto and Litton batted after we lost early wickets showed great character," said Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons. "And Mustafizur showed today why he is still a world-class operator in these conditions."

For New Zealand, the defeat marks a missed opportunity to win a rare ODI series on Bangladeshi soil. Despite the brilliance of Foxcroft, the lack of support from the lower-middle order and their inability to read Mustafizur’s variations proved to be their undoing.

Najmul Hossain Shanto was named Player of the Match for his match-winning ton, while Nahid Rana’s bowling masterclass earned him the Player of the Series honors. The two sides will now shift their focus to the upcoming three-match T20I series beginning next week.