Tawheed Hardoi A sensational unbeaten half-century helped Bangladesh beat New Zealand by six wickets in the opening T20I on Monday. Chasing a tough target of 183, Bangladesh found themselves in early trouble at 77 for 3 in the 11th over, with the New Zealand bowlers firmly in control. However, Hridoy’s calculated aggression turned the game on its head as he smashed a match-winning 51 not out with two fours and three sixes off just 27 balls.He first put on a crucial stand of 57 with Parvez Hussain, who scored 28 off 14 balls before forming an unbeaten 49-run partnership with Shamim Hussain. Shamim boosted the finishing with a quick knock of 31 not out from 13 balls as Bangladesh posted 183 for four with two overs to spare, marking an impressive start to the series.New Zealand’s strong total went in vain.Earlier, New Zealand posted 182 for six thanks to brilliant half-centuries from Dean Cleaver and Keitan Clarke, both of whom scored 51 runs. The two put on a strong partnership of 88 runs for the second wicket when Tim Robinson was run out for a wicket. At this stage, the visitors looked poised for an even bigger total on a good batting surface.However, Bangladesh made a comeback through leg-spinner Rashad Hussain, who struck twice in quick succession to remove both sets of batsmen and stop the momentum. The pace trio of Sharaful Islam, Rasghan Hasan Saqib and debutant Ripon Mandol effectively tightened their lines and lengths after a good start. Tanzim’s wicket of Bevan Jacobs dealt a further blow to New Zealand’s progress.Stand-in captain Nick Kelly tried to stabilize the innings before a short break due to poor light, while Josh Clarkson’s unbeaten 27 off 14 balls provided late impetus to push the total to 180.Despite a promising start with the ball, Ash Sodhi’s 2 for 40, New Zealand were unable to stem Bangladesh’s middle-order surge. The three-match series now moves to Chittogram on Wednesday, with Bangladesh leading 1-0.
