Hridoy run-out lone bright spot as NZ dominate Powerplay
New Zealand made a brisk start to their innings, reaching 61 for one after six six overs in the first of three T20Is against Bangladesh today, in Chattogram, capitalising on the fielding restrictions after being put in to bat.
After an early setback, the visitors recovered quickly through an aggressive stand between Katene Clarke and Dane Cleaver. Clarke remained unbeaten on 25 off 18 balls, while Cleaver set the tone with a fluent 33 off just 17 deliveries, striking four fours and a six as the Black Caps maintained a run rate above 10.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The home side struck in the second over through a sharp piece of fielding rather than with the ball. Tim Robinson was run out for a duck after a moment of hesitation, with Tawhid Hridoy producing a direct hit from the in-field to leave the visitors at 11 for one.
From there, however, Clarke and Cleaver counterattacked effectively, adding a rapid 50-run partnership off just 28 balls to seize momentum in the Powerplay. New Zealand also brought up their 50 in just 5.1 overs.
Ripon in as Litton opts to bowl; Kelly leads NZ
Bangladesh captain Litton Das won the toss and elected to bowl first in the opening T20I against New Zealand at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram today, with the Tigers looking to ease back into the format after a five-month gap.
The hosts included rookie pacer Ripon Mondol, known for his death-over expertise, as Bangladesh look to test new combinations at the start of a crucial T20I phase.
While Ripon has featured in three T20 matches for Bangladesh at the Asian Games, this marks his first appearance with the full-strength national side.
New Zealand, meanwhile, were forced into a late change, with regular captain Tom Latham ruled out after suffering a laceration below his right big toenail during nets yesterday. In his absence, Nick Kelly leads the side, becoming the 13th cricketer to captain the Black Caps in T20Is.
Bangladesh XI
Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Saif Hassan, Litton Das (c and wk), Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain Patwary, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam, Ripon Mondol.
New Zealand XI
Tim Robinson, Katene Clarke, Dane Cleaver (wk), Nick Kelly (c), Bevon Jacobs, Dean Foxcroft, Josh Clarkson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Matthew Fisher, Ben Lister
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