Tigers eying first T20 series win against New Zealand

Bangladesh geared up for their first Twenty20 International series victory against New Zealand by continuing their recent hot run as they take on the visitors tomorrow (Sunday) in the third game at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

The match which starts at 4PM will be aired live on Gazi TV and T Sports.

The Tigers lead the series 2-0 following seven-wicket victory in the first match and four-run win in the second game. The home side just crushed New Zealand in the first match, dismissing the tourists for their lowest even T20 International score of 60.

The visitors however fared better in the second match where wicket was particularly good but just couldn’t finish off the game. Skipper Tom Latham played a brilliant 49 ball-65 not out, nevertheless, he could not score the required eight runs in the last two balls.

While Latham failed, Bangladesh particularly would be buoyed, largely due to the fact that Mustafizur could defend 19 runs in the last over even when he had a bad day in the office after quite a long time. In the second game, Mustafizur gave away 34 runs in his four overs. He also almost threw the game when he delivered a beamer in the fourth ball of the last over that went for five runs. But he recovered from that and curbed Latham’s aggression in the last two balls to deliver the victory eventually.

“Mustafizur held his nerve well and we went really close. It [beamer] was unusual, but I had quite a bit of confidence in Mustafizur. Mahedi has been bowling really well with the new ball and the wicket got better. We are happy to continue with this [winning] streak,” Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah Riyad said, praising Mustafizur’s effort.

While Mahmudullah is brimming with confidence to wrap up the series with two matches to spare, Tom Latham seemed to be happy with showing some fighting spirit after a frustrating defeat in the first game.

“It was a great game to take it down to the last over. I thought we learnt from the last game and to take it down to the last over with a chance of winning was outstanding,” Latham said.