New Zealand vs.Bangladesh : highlights

New Zealand vs. Bangladesh: Ish Sodhi, the first Kiwi spinner to take 6 wickets in a One Day International (ODI), played a crucial role in securing New Zealand's victory with both his bowling and batting, contributing an important 35 runs with the bat.

Written by - Md imdad 

New Zealand vs. Bangladesh: Ish Sodhi,

After taking the wicket of Bangladesh's Mehedi Hasan, Ish Sodhi (center) celebrated with his teammates. AFP

Ish Sodhi became New Zealand's first spinner to take six wickets in an ODI during the second match of the three-game series against Bangladesh on Saturday, helping secure an 86-run victory. Sodhi not only showcased his prowess with the ball, taking six wickets for 39 runs, but also made a significant contribution with the bat, scoring crucial 35 runs. This victory marked New Zealand's first win in Bangladesh since 2008, as the first match was washed out due to rain.

In the 46th over, fast bowler Hasan Mahmud dismissed Sodhi for 17 runs at the non-striker's end, but Bangladesh captain Liton Das called him back. Subsequently, Sodhi made a vital contribution, helping the team reach 254 runs before getting bowled out in the 49.2 overs. His splendid leg-spin performance dismantled Bangladesh's top order.

Wicketkeeper Tom Blundell played a pivotal role for the team, scoring the most runs with 68, including six boundaries and a six in 66 balls, while Henry Nicholls contributed 49 runs. Blundell and Nicholls formed a crucial partnership, adding 95 runs for the fourth wicket to set the stage.

Bangladesh's decision to bat first in the series' second match paid off initially, with fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman putting New Zealand at 26-2. He dismissed opener Will Young for a duck after Young's impressive 58 runs in the first match, and then got Finn Allen out for 12 runs.

Syed Khalid Ahmed (3-60) struck early by taking the wicket of Colin de Grandhomme for 14 runs, reducing New Zealand to 36-3 in the eighth over.

Nicholls and Blundell played with caution and aggression to bring the team back on track. However, Khalid broke this dangerous partnership as Nicholls fell short after hitting six boundaries.

Blundell continued to keep the scoreboard ticking with his aggressive batting, completing his half-century in 54 balls. Left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed's flighted delivery was sent for a single by Blundell, but Hasan Mahmud made a crucial stumping to provide strength to Bangladesh's resistance.

Afterward, Bangladesh's spinners took charge, picking up quick wickets, but Sodhi helped New Zealand cross the 250-run mark before getting out. He smashed three sixes in his innings just before getting dismissed.

In the first over of the chase, after DS Dwayahratne had Rahat caught, fast bowler Kyle Jamieson dismissed Liton for 6 runs. However, Tamim Iqbal returned to the team after overcoming an injury and held the fort. He tried to sweep against googlies and got out at 44 runs at regular intervals. Sodhi got rid of Soumya Sarkar as well, who had played a promising innings in his first match, but struggled this time, scoring just 4 runs.

Mehidy Hasan and Mahmudullah put up a resistance, sharing a partnership of 42 runs, but Sodhi dismissed them both for the first time in five wickets. Off-spinner Cole McConchie had Mahmudullah caught at short fine leg after his impressive 49-run innings.

Nasum Ahmed scored 21 runs, but it was not enough to bridge the gap to victory.

The third and final ODI is scheduled for Tuesday.