BAN vs NZ: New Zealand prevent lightning from striking twice, square T20I series 1-1 after blow in ODIs

Match Overview

New Zealand prevented lightning from striking twice during their tour of Bangladesh as they won the third T20I at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka by six wickets (DLS) on May 2. Bevon Jacobs was adjudged the Player of the Match (POTM) for his 31-ball unbeaten 62, which came at a strike rate of 200. 

His knock, laced with five fours and three sixes, allowed the tourists to make light work of the run chase in the end. 

Chasing 103 to win, the Blackcaps were off to a scrappy start. Left-arm seamer Shoriful Islam tore through New Zealand's top order and left them reeling at 25/3 in just 3.1 overs. Off-spinner Mahedi Hasan dismissed skipper Nick Kelly in the next over to put Bangladesh on top.

But a counterpunching knock by Jacobs caught the hosts off-guard and left them with little to throw at him. Jacobs didn't go after everything and picked his moments carefully to accelerate. Dean Foxcroft (15* off 15) and Jacobs added 71 for the fifth wicket to take New Zealand home with 20 balls to spare.

Shoriful (3/19) was the only Bangladesh bowler who caused trouble for the Blackcaps.

Earlier, New Zealand elected to field first, and their pacers hunted in pairs. Nathan Smith (2/14) and Ben Sears (2/12) claimed two wickets apiece. But Josh Clarkson was the pick of all the bowlers. He returned figures of 3/9 in two overs and did the bulk of the damage.

Most Bangladesh batters got caught by the boundary riders while attempting to clear the fence. Saif Hassan (16 off 11), Litton Das (26 off 17) and Tawhid Hridoy (33 off 24) were the only Bangladesh batters to reach double digits. Bangladesh were restricted to 102 in 14.2 overs.

Top run-scorer of the match

Top wicket-taker of the match

Player of the Match

Bevon Jacobs

Bevon Jacobs proved yet again why he is considered a top-drawer talent in New Zealand Cricket. The right-hander weathered the storm and waited for the right opportunities while the hosts were on top. He knew that there wasn't much scoreboard pressure and all they needed was a solitary partnership to get over the line.

Turning Point

Bangladesh's underwhelming batting performance proved to be the difference. Several of their batters tried to go for glory shots and holed out. 102 was never enough against the Kiwis.

What the captains said

Winning Team Captain, Nick Kelly (New Zealand)

"It's been a very enjoyable series for us. Spoke about finishing the series well and will be nice to get on the plane tonight with a win. It was awesome. Spoke quite a lot after the last game that we didn't get the plans right. But we were unbelievable today. The death overs were match-winning for us. Shoriful bowled really well at the top, like he has all series. Bev (Bevon Jacobs) soaked it up during the middle and got to see his power at the end."

Losing Team Captain, Litton Das (Bangladesh)

 "In the toss I said weather is a big factor. When we bat first, losing early three wickets is difficult. Then Hridoy and me had a partnership but then the rain came. 103 isn't enough. Shoriful bowled really well. New Zealand batting and bowling was up to the mark. If Shoriful bowls like this, Bangladesh cricket will be happier in future."