Tom Latham half-century propelled New Zealand to a consolation victory over Bangladesh in the final ODI of the series. New Zealand put on an imposing target of 161 and restricted Bangladesh to 134/8.
Latham’s decision to bat first was vindicated by their openers, Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra. The duo clobbered everyone in the Powerplay. Ravindra was reprieved early in the game, when Shamim Hossain shelled an easy catch.
Allen piled up the misery by striking the next two balls for a six and a four. The duo added 58 in 5.4 overs before Ravindra was undone by Shoriful Islam. A ball later, Allen became Shoriful’s second wicket.
Lathan held the innings from one end, making an unbeaten 50. The likes of Will Young, Colin de Grandhomme and Henry Nicholls could not do much. A late flourish from Cole McConchie (17 off 10) helped them to reach 161.
Shoriful’s two wickets came at 12 runs an over. Taskin Ahmed, Nasum Ahmed and Afif Hossain picked up a wicket apiece.
Bangladesh got off a slow start, managing only four boundaries in the Powerplay and losing two wickets. Ajaz Patel provide the visitors with a breakthrough by having Liton Das caught by Scott Kuggeleijn.
Soumya Sarkar played nine balls for four runs on his comeback. Bangladesh lost four wickets for just 46. Afif Hossain, promoted to No. 5, added 63 runs for the fifth wicket with Mahmudullah. The partnership brought the hosts back into the game.
But the match slipped away from Bangladesh after losing Mahmudullah on 23. The next six batters could not add much.
Brief scores: New Zealand 161/5 in 20 overs (Tom Latham 50*; Shoriful Islam 2-48) beat Bangladesh 134/8 in 20 overs (Afif Hossain 49*; Ajaz Patel 2-21) by 27 runs. Player of the Match: Tom Latham.
Bangladesh won the series 3-2. Player of the Series: Tom Latham and Nasum Ahmed.