Bangladesh produced a record-breaking run chase in Chattogram to defeat New Zealand by six wickets in the first T20 International of the three-match series. The home side successfully overhauled a target of 183, marking the highest successful chase in T20 internationals between the two teams.
Chasing 183, Bangladesh reached the target with 12 balls remaining. The result also surpassed their previous highest successful chase against New Zealand, which was 135 in Napier in 2023, when they won by five wickets. In the broader head-to-head context, New Zealand’s previous best chase against Bangladesh was 142, achieved in Napier in 2017.
New Zealand, opting to bat after losing the toss, posted 182 for four in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by two half-centuries, with Katen Clarke and Dane Cleaver both scoring 51 runs each. Bangladesh’s bowling effort was led by leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, who took two wickets.
New Zealand innings summary
| Batter | Runs | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Katen Clarke | 51 | Not out |
| Dane Cleaver | 51 | Not out |
| Others | – | – |
| Total | 182/4 (20 overs) | – |
In response, Bangladesh began their chase cautiously. Openers Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Saif Hassan added 41 runs for the first wicket before Tanzid was dismissed for 20 and Saif for 17. Captain Litton Das contributed 21 runs before his dismissal.
The foundation of the chase was strengthened by Towhid Hridoy, who played a composed innings with a strike rate of 188.88. However, the acceleration came from Parvez Hossain Emon and Shamim Hossain Patwary in the middle and lower order.
Shamim, batting at number six, delivered a decisive unbeaten knock of 31 runs from 13 deliveries, striking at 238.46. His innings included two sixes and three boundaries. Emon also played a quick innings, scoring 28 runs from 14 balls. Litton Das anchored the innings through to the end, finishing unbeaten on 51 runs from 3 sixes and 2 fours, and was later named Player of the Match.
Bangladesh chase summary
| Batter | Runs | Balls | Strike rate | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Litton Das | 51* | – | – | Not out |
| Shamim Hossain | 31* | 13 | 238.46 | Not out |
| Parvez Hossain Emon | 28 | 14 | 200+ | Dismissed |
| Tanzid Hasan Tamim | 20 | – | – | Dismissed |
| Saif Hassan | 17 | – | – | Dismissed |
| Towhid Hridoy | – | – | 188.88 | Dismissed |
The result gives Bangladesh a 1–0 lead in the three-match series and represents a significant achievement in terms of successful run chases against a Test-playing nation of New Zealand’s stature.