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The third T20I clash between New Zealand and Bangladesh at the Bay Oval witnessed an impressive display by the hosts, securing a decisive victory to level the three-match series.
Bangladesh Innings
Opting to bowl first, New Zealand’s bowlers orchestrated a remarkable performance, effectively restricting Bangladesh to a paltry total of 110 runs in 19.2 overs. The bowling attack, led by Mitchell Santner‘s stellar four-wicket haul, along with contributions from Tim Southee, Adam Milne and Ben Sears, effectively curtailed Bangladesh’s batting prowess.
None of the Bangladeshi batters managed to convert their starts into substantial scores. The disciplined bowling attack from the Kiwis kept a tight grip on the innings, limiting the visitors’ run-scoring opportunities.
New Zealand Innings
In response, the New Zealand innings started shakily, losing early wickets. However, Finn Allen emerged as the standout performer, anchoring the innings with a resilient 38 off 31 deliveries, complemented by a crucial partnership with James Neesham, who contributed a brisk 28 off 20 balls.
Bangladesh fought back with some tight bowling, with notable performances from Mahedi Hasan and Shoriful Islam, keeping the pressure on the Kiwi batsmen. However, New Zealand, guided by Allen and Neesham, managed to maintain control despite the occasional hiccups, eventually reaching 95/5 in 14.4 overs.
Result and Man of the Match
The encounter witnessed a thrilling finish with New Zealand claiming victory by 17 runs via the DLS method. Mitchell Santner, the architect behind Bangladesh’s batting collapse and a steady contributor with the bat, earned the well-deserved Player of the Match accolade for his exceptional all-round performance.
With this win, New Zealand levelled the series, bouncing back after a loss in the first T20I encounter and a subsequent abandonment in the second match.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Man of the Mitch! 🦁🔥#BANvNZ pic.twitter.com/s1nVsSmFkJ
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) December 31, 2023
Captain Santner Spin web to Draw the series 💛#NZvBAN #WhistlePodu
📸 @BLACKCAPS pic.twitter.com/pHQB3htUiR— WhistlePodu Army ® – CSK Fan Club (@CSKFansOfficial) December 31, 2023
– Captain of New Zealand.
– 4 wickets with ball.
– 18* runs with bat.
– Player of the match in a must win game.What a perfect ending for Mitchell Santner in 2023. 👏 pic.twitter.com/x75TVGZnl3
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 31, 2023
– 4 wickets with ball
– 18* runs with bat
– Player of the matchCaptain Mitchell Santner rocks 🦁💥#WhistlePodu #IPL2024 #NZvBAN pic.twitter.com/08uw2hhbTl
— CSK Fans Army™ (@CSKFansArmy) December 31, 2023
Man of the Match Mitchell Santner with his fans!#NZvBAN #3rdT20I #cricket pic.twitter.com/HTPpoczmG4
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 31, 2023
Bangladesh Tour of New Zealand
Bangladesh 🆚New Zealand | 3rd T20INew Zealand won by 17 runs (DLS Method)#BCB | #Cricket | #NZvBAN pic.twitter.com/TFIZFNdWru
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) December 31, 2023
The #NZvBAN T20I series has ended 1-1 with NZ winning the final game by 17 runs (DLS method)
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) December 31, 2023
Series shared 🏆 #BANvNZ #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/vIOR6pmLgJ
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 31, 2023
Bangladesh’s last 5 T20I series 🇧🇩
Won 2-0 v UAE (away)
Won 3-0 v ENG (home)
Won 2-1 v IRE (home)
Won 2-0 v AFG (home)
Draw 1-1 v NZ (away)First time they remained unbeaten in more than 3 consecutive series.#NZvBAN pic.twitter.com/iKjp2wXRPX
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) December 31, 2023