Tigers level ODI series vs NZ after Nahid, Tanzid heroics

Chasing a target of 199, the hosts reached the mark in the 36th over.

Tanzid anchored the run chase, scoring 76 off 58 balls with 10 boundaries and four sixes. Najmul Hossain Shanto also contributed a half-century to ensure the victory. 

The result ties the series at 1-1, establishing the third match on April 23 in Chattogram as a series decider.

Earlier, Rana’s high-pace spell dismantled the New Zealand batting lineup, restricting the visitors to 198 all out.

Rebounding from a difficult series opener in which he conceded 65 runs, the right-arm pacer claimed his second career ODI five-wicket haul, with every wicket-taking delivery exceeding 140 kmph.

After senior bowlers Shoriful Islam and Taskin Ahmed built early pressure, Rana provided the initial breakthrough on his first delivery in the eighth over, trapping Henry Nicholls leg before wicket at 144.7 kmph.

In his next over, Rana bowled a 150 km/h bouncer that rushed Will Young into a mistimed defensive shot, resulting in a catch at point.

As New Zealand attempted to stabilise through a 66-run partnership between Nick Kelly and Muhammad Abbas, Rana returned in the 28th over to dismiss Abbas with a 146.1 kmph bouncer.

He later cleaned up the tail, claiming his final two wickets with deliveries clocked at 144.1 kmph and 141.6 kmph.

Rana previously recorded a five-wicket haul against Pakistan at the same venue in March last, reports UNB.