Twitter Reactions: New Zealand avoid series loss in rain-marred encounter against Bangladesh
New Zealand won the third T20I by 17 runs (DLS Method).
In a gripping encounter at Bay Oval, in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand emerged victorious against Bangladesh in the final T20I of the series, levelling the stakes. Opting to bowl first under overcast skies, the Kiwis capitalized on the conditions as Soumya Sarkar fell early, trapped in front in the initial over. Najmul Hossain Shanto showed promise but departed, followed by Rony Talukdar, who missed a chance for survival by not taking a review on an LBW (Leg Before Wicket dismissal) decision.
The spin duo of Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi dominated the middle overs, unsettling the Bangladeshi lineup, while the Kiwi skipper clinched a remarkable 4-fer. Adam Milne and Tim Southee closed the innings impressively, exploiting slower deliveries to their advantage. Bangladesh struggled, succumbing to rash shots and managing the lowest first innings total in T20Is at the Bay Oval, folding for 110.
What seemed like a comfortable chase turned dramatic when Mahedi Hasan's probing bowling bagged crucial wickets—first, Tim Seifert, then Daryl Mitchell. Shoriful Islam's delivery dismantled Glenn Phillips, while a mix-up between Finn Allen and Mark Chapman led to Chapman's dismissal. Shoriful struck again, dismissing Allen, leaving the Kiwis reeling at 49/5.
Neesham, Santner race against time to take Kiwis home
However, James Neesham and Santner resurrected the innings, steadying the ship with well-timed boundaries. Neesham played aggressively, pushing the Kiwis 17 runs ahead on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method when rain interrupted play with dark clouds looming large. The persistent rain forced the match to be called off, granting New Zealand a 17-run win according to the DLS method, thereby squaring the series.
The brilliant bowling display from the hosts restricted Bangladesh to a paltry total, but the game took an unexpected turn as Bangladesh fought back fiercely, making the chase challenging for the Kiwis. Yet, Neesham and Santner's partnership, coupled with the looming weather, sealed the win for New Zealand in a captivating encounter that ended prematurely due to rain.
Here's how 'X' users reacted to New Zealand's win over Bangladesh in 3rd T20I:
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