New Zealand vs Bangladesh 1st T20I Highlights: Mahedi, Shoriful Star As Bangla Tigers Stun Kiwis

We are all set for the second innings to start! Bangladesh are out to chase 135 in 20 overs. It's Litton Das and Rony Talukdar to open the batting for the visitors. Tim Southee to start the attack for New Zealand. Let's Play!

... THE RUN CHASE ...

The stage is set for an enthralling pursuit, with the Bangladesh batters looking to capitalize on their bowlers' splendid performance. On the other hand, New Zealand's bowlers aim to conjure a magic trick to defend their total and stage a comeback. The upcoming innings promises intense moments and a captivating battle between bat and ball, leaving fans on the edge of their seats in anticipation of the unfolding drama. Stay tuned.

James Neesham is in for a chat. He says that it was hard to get a read on the bounce of the surface. Adds that it was tough to play cross-batted shots. Mentions that the new ball was skidding on. Shares that this total is less than what they were targeting but it is definitely defendable. Feels that if they get a couple of early wickets early on, they can have a chance. Says that he is looking forward to Ben Sears bowling on this surface. States that all of the players in their side have played enough cricket to set up a defendable total and hopes that it is what they have done.

The prowess of the Bangladesh bowlers was on full display, led by the strategic acumen of their skipper, Najmul Hossain Shanto. The bowling unit executed their plans immaculately, stifling the New Zealand batters from the outset. Shoriful Islam emerged as a standout performer, claiming 3 wickets, in which the first two came in his first over. Mahedi Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman contributed with 2 wickets each. Tanzim Hasan Sakib made a memorable T20I debut by securing his maiden wicket. The collective bowling effort by Bangladesh showcased precision and control, providing them with a significant opportunity to seize an early advantage in the series with a 1-0 lead. As the action shifts to the second innings, Bangladesh faces the task of chasing down 135 runs in 20 overs. The favorable conditions and a well-behaved pitch suggest that the target is within reach.

The conclusion of the first innings in the inaugural T20 match of the three-game showdown between New Zealand and Bangladesh unfolds a gripping narrative. The hosts, New Zealand, found themselves in a challenging position as they faced a stern examination by the Bangladeshi bowlers. Opting to bat first, New Zealand struggled to find a substantial partnership, managing a total of 134 runs while losing 9 wickets in their allocated 20 overs. The top order, unfortunately, failed to make significant contributions, with 19 runs being the highest individual score among the top five batters. The lone standout partnership emerged between James Neesham and Mitchell Santner, adding 41 crucial runs before Santner's dismissal. Neesham, however, played a valiant innings, scoring 48 off just 29 balls to provide a glimmer of hope for his side. Contributions from the lower order eventually propelled New Zealand to cross the 130-run mark.

SIX! BOOM! What a shot to end the innings! Tanzim Hasan Sakib tries to execute a yorker but misses his mark slightly, bowls it in the slot, wide outside off, Adam Milne reaches out and smacks it over deep cover for a biggie. New Zealand end up with 134 on the board!

Shortish delivery, outside off, Ben Sears stabs it down on the off side and takes a single as the ball rolls in front of extra cover.

OUT CAUGHT BEHIND! Tanzim Hasan Sakib gets his first T20I wicket! Tanzim Hasan Sakib bends his back and bangs it in short, at the right shoulder of the batter, Ish Sodhi tries to take on the short ball off the front foot but misses out. A muted appeal for caught behind but turned down. Najmul Hossain Shanto sends it upstairs for a review. There was a sound as the ball went past the bat and yes, the UltraEdge shows a spike. The on-field decision will have to be overturned and New Zealand lose Ish Sodhi! Ben Sears is the new man in for New Zealand!

Length delivery, outside off, Adam Milne clears his front leg and carves it to deep point for a single.

Nails the yorker, on the off-stump line, Adam Milne can only jam this one back to the bowler.

Low full-toss, angling in, on leg, Ish Sodhi swats it from the crease to deep square leg for a single.

Slower and on a back of a length, on off, Ish Sodhi waits for the ball to arrive and steers it down to third man for a single.

Pace on now and on a back of a length, around off, Ish Sodhi swipes at the delivery from the crease but gets beaten on the outside edge.

On a length, on middle and leg, Ish Sodhi gets half-forward and blocks it back to the bowler.

OUT! CAUGHT! That is brilliant work from Bangladesh and Mustafizur Rahman. Another slower ball doing the trick. Pitches the ball up at the stumps and Tim Southee heaves it up on the leg side and the ball goes way up in the air straight to Afif Hossain standing at deep square leg who takes a good catch. Ish Sodhi walks out to bat now for New Zealand!

Superb bowling from Mustafizur Rahman, a very deceptive off cutter dipping on Tim Southee just outside the off stump line and Tim Southee is beaten again.

Swing and a miss from Tim Southee outside the off stump. Mustafizur Rahman angled the ball away from the right hander from a good length.

SIX! BANG! Adam Milne gets into the act now! Shoriful Islam keeps it on a shortish length, over middle, Adam Milne stands tall and hammers the pull over deep square leg for a maximum to rub salt into the wounds of Shoriful Islam.

OH MY WORD! A complete miscommunication and another chance goes down! Shoriful Islam continues to go short, on middle, Tim Southee swings across the line again and skies it high in the air in the cover-point region. Neither Rony Talukdar nor Rishad Hossain call for the catch and they just stand there looking at each other. The ball drops right in between the two fielders and Shoriful Islam isn't pleased one bit.