New Zealand aim for strong comeback after humbling defeat in series opener

Overview
Bangladesh v New Zealand, 2nd T20
Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur
3 September, 16:00 Local

Bangladesh’s confidence found a boost after their first-ever win against New Zealand in the shortest format. The win was hard-earned as they bowled out the visitors for 60 runs – New Zealand’s joint-lowest total in men's T20Is – within the 17th over and chased it down with five overs to spare.

New Zealand, on the other hand, ascertained that they misread the pitch and conditions which took the relatively inexperienced side by surprise as the game slid away from their hands before they even realised it.

However, spinners Cole McConchie and Ajaz Patel showed positive signs for the remaining matches of the series with their economical spells.

Remember the last timeIn the first match of the tour, New Zealand were out-performed by Bangladesh for the first time in men's T20Is. The visitors were bowled out for 60 in the 17th over. The spinners and pacers shared five wickets each while the only resistance and the partnership to go into double digits was that of Tom Latham (18) and Henry Nicholls (18).

As the chase began, Bangladesh lost their openers early, reducing them to 7 for 2 in the third over but a steady rebuilding led by Shakib Al Hasan (25) and Mushfiqur Rahim (16*) helped cross the finish line.

What they said

Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh all-rounder): “Very good feeling to win the first match of the series, given the fact we've never won against New Zealand. This win will boost our confidence. We've been bowling really well through the Australia series and against New Zealand. Our batting is not up to the mark yet, but, having said that, the conditions are not easy for batting.”

Tom Latham (New Zealand captain): “We knew it was going to be tough but we kept losing wickets at crucial times. For us, it's about finding a way in these conditions and try to assess what a good score is. With runs on the board, it isn't easy.”