Bangladesh vs New Zealand NZ in BAN, 3 T20Is, 2026, Full Score Card

SIX! SMOKED IT AWAY! This is tossed up, fuller, on off and middle. Bevon Jacobs sits down on one knee and sweeps it over the deep square leg region for half a dozen. New Zealand beat Bangladesh by 6 wickets (DLS METHOD).

FOUR! Hit hard! Flighted to offer, on middle, much fuller. Bevon Jacobs clears his front foot and launches it down the ground for four runs.

DROPPED AND SIX! FIFTY FOR JACOBS! Tossed up, fuller, on off and middle. Bevon Jacobs leans on the delivery and slogs it toward the right of the long on fielder. The fielder moves to his right and tries to reverse scoop the catch, but fails to grasp it. The ball bounces off over the boundary line and Jacob gets his much-deserved half-century.

A touch shorter, outside off, Dean Foxcroft slaps it to deep cover for one.

Short, outside off, Dean Foxcroft flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Short, outside off, Dean Foxcroft punches it to the left of the bowler.

DROPPED! That should have been taken by Mahedi Hasan! On a good length, on middle. Bevon Jacobs looks to push it, but plays a bit off the bottom hand. The ball flies toward the right of the bowler. Hasan tumbles toward the catch but spills it away. The ball rolls to mid on and a single is taken by the batter.

Fuller, down the leg side. Bevon Jacobs makes room to heave it away but gets beaten because of the turn.

Full, on middle, Dean Foxcroft sweeps it to square leg for one.

Short, on the stumps, Bevon Jacobs punches it to long on for one.

Back of a length, on middle and leg, Bevon Jacobs nudges it to the vacant mid-wicket region and gets two runs by the time the deep fielder charges the ball and throws it. Now the ball hits the stumps directly at the bowler's end and deflects toward square leg. The batter gets another run.

Full, on middle, Bevon Jacobs drives it down the track and gets a couple of runs.

In the air.... but landed safely! Shortish, on off, Bevon Jacobs looks to pull, but miscues the shot. The ball loops and drops toward the right of the long on fielder, just inside the boundary cushion. Brace taken.

SIX! Now that's what you call 'shot of authority'! Good-length delivery, outside off. Bevon Jacobs predetermines and steps out of the crease. He punches it aerially, over the wide long off fence for six more runs.

Back of a length, around off, Bevon Jacobs pushes it to cover.

With each single, New Zealand are getting closer and closer toward the victory. On a hard length, on off. Dean Foxcroft charges down the track and pats it to long on for a comfortable single.

Ripon Mondol is back into the attack.

FOUR! Beautiful shot from Bevon Jacobs! Tossed up, on off and middle. Bevon Jacobs gets down on one knee and slog sweeps it toward the far left of the deep mid-wicket fielder for four runs.

Full, on middle, Bevon Jacobs tucks it to the short mid-wicket fielder who has been placed just before this delivery.

Short, on off, Dean Foxcroft punches it from his back foot to long on for a single.

Pitches it up again, on leg, Bevon Jacobs flicks it to deep backward square leg and gets a single.

Flat and fuller, down the leg side, Dean Foxcroft sweeps it to wide of short fine leg for a single.

Fuller, on off, turning it away from the batter. Bevon Jacobs goes deep into the crease and pushes it to the vacant mid on region for a single.

Time Out! New Zealand are 61/4 after 8 overs now. They need 42 from 42 balls. They are slightly ahead in the game but some quick wickets can still turn the game around. Bevon Jacobs looks well set while Dean Foxcroft is playing the second fiddle. Bangladesh desperately need wickets. Let's see how it ends...

Appeal for caught behind but not given by the umpire! However, Litton Das takes the review. This is on a good length, angling down the leg side, Dean Foxcroft looks to flick it but misses the connection. The replay shows that there is a clear space when the ball passes the bat. Bangladesh lose their review.

Keeps it full, on off, Dean Foxcroft blocks it back to the bowler.

Wide! Down the leg side, Dean Foxcroft looks to flick it but misses.

Back of a length, outside off, Bevon Jacobs slaps it to the right of the deep point fielder. The fielder does well to cut it to two runs and throws it to the bowler's end. However, the back-up failed to do his job and the batters got another run. So three runs on this ball.

The Kiwis are rotating their strike and that is enough for them right now. They just need to avoid dot deliveries. Good length, on off, Dean Foxcroft pushes it to long on for a single.

Back of a length, on middle, Bevon Jacobs tucks it to deep square leg for another single.

On a good length, on middle, Dean Foxcroft whips it to deep square leg for a single.

Mohammad Saifuddin has been introduced to the attack.

Short again, outside leg, Dean Foxcroft tucks it to deep square leg and gets another single. New Zealand need 49 runs off 48 balls now.

Hossain drags his length back, angling it down the leg side. Bevon Jacobs flicks it to square leg and gets across for one run.

A touch fuller, on off, Dean Foxcroft pushes it with soft hands toward the right of the point fielder and gets a quick single. This is better cricket from the Kiwis!

Short, on off, Bevon Jacobs pulls it with control to wide long on for a single.

Much fuller, on middle, Bevon Jacobs flicks it through mid-wicket for a brace.

Short, on off, Bevon Jacobs bunts it back to the bowler.

FOUR! That's a lovely stroke! Full-length delivery yet again from Islam, on off. Dean Foxcroft prods halfway, leans on the delivery and punches it with full face of the bat toward the right of mid off for four runs.

Nice and full, on off, Bevon Jacobs knocks it to mid off for a single.

FOUR! Short and punished! Bumper, on middle and off. Bevon Jacobs pulls it down and hard toward the left of deep square leg for a four more runs.

FOUR! Not entirely where Jacobs intended to hit, but he will take those runs. Much fuller, on off, angling away. Bevon Jacobs plants his front foot and attempts to punch it through mid off, but the ball hits the inner half of the blade. It then rolls toward the left of the square leg fielder and Jacobs gets four runs.

On hard length, just outside off. Dean Foxcroft bunts it to right of short cover and gets a quick single.

Much fuller, on off, Bevon Jacobs knocks it down the ground for a single.

Another wicket falls for New Zealand. They are 33/4 now, and they need 70 from 60 balls. Dean Foxcroft is the new batter.

OUT! CASTLED! The pressure was piling on the skipper, and Mahedi Hasan did well to capitalize on it. Another arm ball from Mahedi, short and pitching it outside off, angling in. Nick Kelly puts his weight on his back foot and tries to cut it, but cramps for room. The ball misses the inner edge and rattles on the top of the off pole. New Zealand are 33 for 4 now.

Short, on middle, Bevon Jacobs whips it to square leg for a single.

Arm ball, short and around off, Nick Kelly knocks it to long off for a single. Kelly gets his first run.

Flighted, fuller, just outside off, Bevon Jacobs lunges and looks to flick it but gets a leading edge. The ball rolls to the wide of short cover and the batter gets a single.

Full, on off, Bevon Jacobs defends it down.

FOUR! Streaky! Tossed up fuller, just outside off, Bevon Jacobs looks to drive at it but gets nicked on the outside edge. The ball rolls away to deep third for a boundary.

76 needed from 66 balls now. New Zealand are slightly ahead in the game as of now, but some quick wickets can turn the game around for Bangladesh. Mahedi Hasan comes into the attack now.

Fuller, on off, Nick Kelly defends it to the off side. Another top over from Shoriful Islam. A wicket and just a run from it.

DROPPED? No, that didn't come off the bat. This is back of a length, pitching it just outside off and slanting it in. Nick Kelly lifts his front leg and looks to pull it, but gets beaten on the inside edge and thumps on the thigh pad. The ball flies flat and drops just short of the keeper.

Good-length delivery, on the fifth stump. Nick Kelly hangs back and dabs it to cover.

Back of a length, around off, Bevon Jacobs steers it to deep backward point for a single. Jacobs is off the mark!

Hat-trick ball! Good-length delivery, pitching it on off and swaying it away from the right-hander. Bevon Jacobs watchfully leaves it alone.

New Zealand loses their third wicket now. Bevon Jacobs comes out and number 5.

OUT! TIMBER! Shoriful Islam has three already. On a length, on middle, with a hint of inward movement. Tim Robinson moves down the ground and looks to loft it but misses it completely as the ball rattles over the stumps. The crowd are all pumped up as New Zealand are 25/3 after 3.1 overs. Shoriful Islam had taken a wicket on the last ball of his previous over as well, so he will be on a hat-trick on the following ball now.

First change for Bangladesh? No, Shoriful Islam will continue.

Back of a length, on middle and leg, Tim Robinson knocks it down the ground for a single.

Short, on off, Tim Robinson looks to pull it but gets a bottom edge as the ball rolls towards mid-wicket. Dot.

Good length, on middle and leg, Tim Robinson tucks it through mid-wicket for a brace.

Hard length, on off, Tim Robinson eases it to the cover fielder.

SIX! A flat six from Tim Robinson! Back of a length, on off, Tim Robinson takes a step forward and slaps it powerfully over cover for a biggie.

FOUR! A fine shot from Tim Robinson! Ripon Mondol errs his line down leg, Tim Robinson uses the pace of the ball and helps it through fine leg for a boundary.

What an over it was from Shoriful Islam. Two wickets in his first over. Nick Kelly walks up to the middle, replacing Dane Cleaver.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Back of a length, on middle, Dane Cleaver moves forward and looks to pull it, but gets beaten on the bottom edge. Litton Das collects the ball and appeals for a caught behind, but the umpire is unmoved. He sends it upstairs to have a check. Ultra edge shows a clear spike and the onfield decision is overturned to OUT. The crowd are all pumped up. What an over from Shoriful Islam. New Zealand are 12/2 after 2 overs.

Length again, shaping in, on middle. Tim Robinson blocks it back to the bowler.

Good length, on middle, Dane Cleaver taps it to mid on for a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. A direct hit and Dane Cleaver was a goner.

Much fuller, on off, Dane Cleaver blocks it back to the bowler.

That's a beauty from Shoriful Islam. Dane Cleaver is the new batter.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! That's a ripper from Shoriful Islam. On a length, on off, and it shapes away from the batter. Katene Clarke stays back and looks to block it but the ball kisses the outside edge of Katene Clarke's blade and carries towards the keeper, Litton Das, who makes no mistake. An early and much-needed breakthrough for Bangladesh.

Hard length, on off, Tim Robinson looks to slap it but gets a bottom edge as the ball bounces through the left of the keeper. They collect a single.

Shoriful Islam comes into the attack now.

Good start from New Zealand. 9 runs from the first over. Full, on off, Tim Robinson pushes it to cover for a single.

Quicker, on middle and leg, Tim Robinson flicks it through mid-wicket for a brace.

Short and wide, Tim Robinson looks to cut it but misses.

FOUR! Fine shot! Short, on leg, Tim Robinson shuffles across and cuts it through covers for a magnificent boundary.

Keeps it full, on middle, Katene Clarke flicks it to square leg for a quick single. The fielder makes a direct hit at the batter's end but Katene Clarke was well in.

New Zealand and Tim Robinson are away. Short, on leg, Tim Robinson tucks it to mid-wicket for a quick single.

OUT! TIMBER! What a finish by Ben Sears. Back-to-back wickets for him. What a display of bowling and fielding this has been from New Zealand. On a length, on off, Ripon Mondol makes room and swings hard but misses it completely as the ball clips the off pole. Bangladesh have been bundled out for a mere 102 runs.

Last man in, and it's none other than Ripon Mondol.

OUT! CHOPPED ON! Another one down. New Zealand are right on top. A low full toss, on off, Shoriful Islam gets low and looks to loft it but gets an inside edge as the ball rattles over the stumps. What a way to start the final over. Bangladesh are 102/9 after 14.1 overs and are down to their last wicket now.

Who will bowl the final over? Ben Sears has been assigned to tidy things up.

Flatter, on off, Shoriful Islam knocks it to wide of mid on for a single.

Keeps it short, on off, Mahedi Hasan cuts it to the point fielder.

FOUR! Excellent shot from Mahedi Hasan! Tossed up, much fuller, around the pads of the batter. Mahedi Hasan gets down on one knee and sweeps it late toward the left of the short fine leg fielder for four runs. Also, 100 up for Bangladesh!

Short, on off, Mahedi Hasan blocks it to point.

Much fuller, on off, Shoriful Islam pushes it to cover for a single.

OUT! RUN OUT! Another wicket goes down for Bangladesh. Flatter, on leg, Rishad Hossain looks to flick it but gets an edge as the ball rolls towards fine leg. An easy single, but they go for a risky double. Nathan Smith throws it towards Dane Cleaver who whips the bails off in a flash. The umpire raises his finger straightaway.

Magnificent over from Josh Clarkson! Just six runs and two wickets from his second over.

Hard length, on leg, Rishad Hossain looks to flick it but edges it to third man for a single.

Much fuller, on leg, Rishad Hossain flicks it towards fine leg for a brace.

A yorker, right into the blockhole, Mahedi Hasan digs it to wide of mid on for a single.

Full again, on middle and leg, Rishad Hossain flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

OUT! TAKEN! Keeps it full, outside off, Mohammad Saifuddin throws his bat but gets a thick outside edge. The ball carries towards backward point. Tim Robinson gets low and takes the catch but looks unsure about it. The umpires go uptairs to have a check. After the multiple replays, the third umpire confirms that Tim Robinson's fingers were beneath the ball. Bangladesh in deep trouble as they are 89/7 after 12.2 overs.

The crowd has gone silent after the third umpire's verdict.

Catch check! The replay shows that the ball is flying flat and dipping toward the backward point fielder. He does well to squat down and it seems like a close call. It does look like the fielder manages to put fingers underneath the ball and The big screen shows 'OUT!'

Wide! Josh Clarkson bowls it way outside off, Mohammad Saifuddin leaves it alone. Wided.

OUT! TAKEN! Nice and full, on middle and leg, Tawhid Hridoy stays back and looks to flick it but doesn't connect well. The ball carries towards deep backward square leg. Tim Robinson slides to his left and takes a brilliant low catch. The umpires check for a clean catch and it shows that that was indeed a clean catch. Tawhid Hridoy makes his way back now as Bangladesh are 88/6 after 12.1 overs. Mohammad Saifuddin is the new batter.

Short, just outside off, Tawhid Hridoy cuts it to point for a single.

Much fuller, on off, Mahedi Hasan flicks it to square leg for a single.

Quicker, on middle and leg, Mahedi Hasan looks to flick it but misses and gets a blow on his pads. A loud appeal and the finger goes up but Mahedi Hasan sends it upstairs instantly. Ultra Edge shows a spike and the onfield decision is overtirned to NOT OUT!

Mahedi Hasan is the new batter on the crease.

OUT! TAKEN! Ish Sodhi becomes the highest wicket-taker for New Zealand in T20Is as he goes past Tim Southee with this wicket, according to on-air commentators. Ish Sodhi bowls a full toss, on off, Shamim Hossain looks to play a reverse sweep but gets a top edge. The ball goes straight into the hands of Bevon Jacobs at deep point. Bangladesh are 86/5 after 11.3 overs.

Flatter, on off, Tawhid Hridoy knocks it to long on for another run.

Short, just outside off, Shamim Hossain cuts it to point for a single.

Darts it on leg, Shamim Hossain hangs back and turns it to mid-wicket for one more.

Flatter, on middle and leg, Tawhid Hridoy flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Nice and full again, on middle, Tawhid Hridoy eases it to the left of the bowler.

Too full, on leg, Tawhid Hridoy digs it back to the bowler.

SIX! This goes all the way! In the slot, on middle and leg, Tawhid Hridoy gets low and slogs it over deep square leg for a biggie.

FOUR! Brilliant from Tawhid Hridoy! Goes full, on middle and leg, Tawhid Hridoy gets down on one knee and scoops it over short fine leg for a boundary.

Change? Yes, Dean Foxcroft rejoins the attack.

Short, on off, Shamim Hossain blocks it back to the bowler. Bangladesh are 72/4 after 10 overs now.

Quicker, just outside off, Shamim Hossain looks to block it but edges it to the fielder at short third.

Too full, on off, Tawhid Hridoy digs it to mid of for a single.

FOUR! Brilliant placement from Tawhid Hridoy! Short, outside off, Tawhid Hridoy waits for the ball and cuts it late through backward point for a boundary.

Wide! Bowls it way outside off, Tawhid Hridoy leaves it alone. Wided.

Short, on off, Tawhid Hridoy pushes it to the cover fielder.

Wide! Width, way too wide. Wided.

A mix up and Tawhid Hridoy looks in trouble! Quicker, on off, Tawhid Hridoy pushes it to backward point and calls for a single. Shamim Hossain sends him back. The fielder throws it towards the keeper and Tawhid Hridoy makes the dive. The umpire goes upstairs to have a check. The replays confirm that the keeper had touched the stumps before the ball was in his hands. A huge error by Dane Cleaver. Tawhid Hridoy gets a lifeline as he is just a few inches away from the crease.

Hard length, on off, Tawhid Hridoy leans on and pushes it to cover for a single.

Much fuller, outside off, Shamim Hossain drives it to cover for a single.

Flatter, on off, Shamim Hossain blocks it back to the bowler again.

Nice and full, on off, Shamim Hossain eases it back to the bowler.

Shamim Hossain is the new batter.

OUT! TAKEN! Josh Clarkson picks up a wicket in his very first over. Much fuller, on off, Litton Das makes room and looks to go over extra cover. Doesn't get the elevation right as the ball goes straight into the hands of Nathan Smith in the deep. A big blow for Bangladesh. They are 63/4 after 8.2 overs now.

Josh Clarkson comes into the attack now. He goes fuller, on off, Tawhid Hridoy pushes it to point for a single.

Arm ball, on middle and leg, Tawhid Hridoy tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

SIX! That goes all the way! Jayden Lennox goes full this time, flatter and on off, Tawhid Hridoy gets down on one knee and pumps it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Jayden Lennox keeps on bowling short, Tawhid Hridoy punches it to mid off. Good over so far.

Quicker, shorter, and in middle. Litton Das rocks back and tucks it to mid-wicket for a run.

Short, on middle and leg, Litton Das flicks it to short fine leg again.

Jayden Lennox errs his line down leg, Litton Das flicks it but finds th fielder at short fine leg. Dot.

Jayden Lennox comes into the attack.

Quicker, just outside off, Tawhid Hridoy punches it to the cover fielder.

FOUR! What a start after the rain break! Short and wide outside off, Tawhid Hridoy reaches out to it and steers it through backward point for a boundary.

We are all set for the action to begin again. The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Litton Das and Tawhid Hridoy to resume their innings. Ish Sodhi will complete his over. Lets go...

UPDATE - 10.22 am GMT - Good news, folks! The play resumes at 10.30 am GMT. It will be a 15-over per side match.

UPDATE - 10.20 am GMT - The umpires are having a look at the damp patch near fine leg/long off. The ground staff is working hard to get rid of the excess water. We are still waiting for the official word.

UPDATE - 9.50 am GMT - The main covers have been peeled off as well, and the sun is playing hide and seek with the clouds. Spectators have reclaimed their seats and are eagerly awaiting the resumption. The super soppers continue to mop up the outfield. We could be hearing news of a resumption any moment now. There will be an official inspection at 10.17 am GMT. Stick around for regular updates.

UPDATE - 9.12 am GMT - Good news, everybody. The rain in Mirpur has stopped completely and some ground activity is visible with some of the ground staff making their way towards the pitch, which is covered. One promising sign that conditions have improved could be confirmed by the shadows of those groundstaff confirms that even the sun is out now. It's noticeably brighter than before. The groundsmen have started to peel off the covers, and we can also see that two sweeper soppers have been deployed to soak up the waterlogged areas across the outfield. Stick around for more updates.

As rain delays the current action in Mirpur, let's shift out attention to the highly anticipated 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, a tournament set to be a landmark event for the sport as England and Wales prepare to host an expanded field of twelve teams for the first time. Riding the wave of momentum from India’s historic 50-over title win last year, this edition promises a grueling path to glory that concludes with a grand final at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. The competition is already heating up with the release of the fixtures, placing India in a high-stakes Group 1 alongside the formidable Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands. Meanwhile, the host nation, England, headlines Group 2, where they face a demanding schedule against the defending T20 champions, New Zealand, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Scotland, and Ireland. With more teams in the mix and the margin for error slimmer than ever, the journey begins on the 12th of June at Edgbaston, Birmingham, where England will kick off their quest for home-soil silverware against Sri Lanka.

UPDATE - 8.57 am GMT - A proper downpour now in Mirpur, making it clear that this is no passing shower. The intensity of the rain suggests a lengthy delay is inevitable, and the darkening sky creates an eerie atmosphere that mimics the onset of night. With the forecast appearing increasingly grim, the visuals from the ground indicate that play is unlikely to resume anytime soon. A lot of puddles can be seen around the covered area near the pitch as well.

UPDATE - 8.35 am GMT - The clouds have opened up and the umpires have asked the players to evacuate the field as the ground staff brings the covers. It has gone really dark in Mirpur. It has been this kind of day in Bangladesh, as even the toss in the women's game between the women's team of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka has been delayed due to rain in Sylhet.

Game stopped due to : Wet Ground Condition

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

Flighted googly, wide outside off. Tawhid Hridoy presses on his front foot and looks to drive this down the ground but gets beaten.

Floated on off, Litton Das pushes this to sweeper cover for one run.

FOUR! Das is looking in a fine touch so far. Short and into the batter, on middle and leg, Litton Das goes deep inside the crease and smashes this through the mid-wicket region for a boundary.

Short of a length, around middle and leg, Tawhid Hridoy rocks back and pulls this to the deep square leg region for one run.

WIDE! Tossed up, wide down the leg, Hridoy looks for the paddle but misses and the umpire signals wide.

On a length, outside off, Litton Das punches it to point and gets a couple of runs.

FOUR! SHOT! Good-length delivery, on the pads, Litton Das shuffles across and clips it past the short fine leg fielder for a boundary.

A direct hit and Das would be a goner! Fuller, on the stumps. Tawhid Hridoy clips it to mid-wicket. The single was never going to happen, but the batters agrees to take one. The fielder in the region picks up and has a shy toward the striker's end but misses the shy. Das is not even in the picture.

Good-length delivery, outside off, Litton Das shuffles across the stumps and clips it to deep square leg for a single.

Hard length around off, Litton Das blocks this out towards covers.

On a length, on stumps, Litton Das pushes it to cover.

Back of a length, outside off, Tawhid Hridoy makes a leave at it.

Hat-trick ball! On a length, just outside off. Tawhid Hridoy judges the ball and leaves it away.

Tawhid Hridoy walks up to the crease, facing the Hat-Trick ball.

OUT! TAKEN! Nathan Smith gets another wicket and Bangladesh have lost their three wickets in quick succession. Smith bangs this one into the deck to offer a bouncer on middle, not much pace on this delivery. Parvez Hossain Emon arches backward and looks to upper cut it over the keeper, but gets deceived by the slower delivery. The ball loops up, and Ish Sodhi moves to his right in the short third region to scoop the catch.

Parvez Hossain Emon walks out next.

OUT! BOWLED 'EM! What a delivery it is. After his expensive first over, Nathan Smith came back and provided a wicket for his side. Both the Bangladesh openers are now back in their hut. This is a good-length delivery, pitching it on leg and angling it away. Tanzid Hasan looks to slog it but gets beaten on the inside edge, and the ball hits the top of the off pole.

Good running between the wickets! Back of a length, around the hips of the batter. Litton Das tucks it to the right of the square leg fielder and gets a quick single.

On a length, on off, Tanzid Hasan fends it to cover for a single.

Good-length delivery, on off, Litton Das pushes it back to the bowler.

SIX! KABOOM! Jayden Lennox pitches it up, on middle, it's an arm ball. Litton Das reads it well slog sweeps it over the deep mid-wicket fence for half a dozen.

Full, outside off, Litton Das carves it to deep cover for a couple of runs.

FOUR! SHOT! Full-length delivery, on leg. Litton Das predetermines and shuffles across the stumps and whips it past the short fine leg fielder for four runs.

Short, on middle, Litton Das fends it away.

Litton Das walks up next as the new batter.

OUT! TAKEN! The change to bring Jayden Lennox has worked wonders for New Zealand and they have got their first breakthrough of the game. This one is fuller, a bit of flight to offer, just outside off. Saif Hassan charges down the track to take on the new bowler and put pressure on him as he looks to hit it down the ground. But he ends up getting the connection from the outer part of the willow and the ball flies up and behind the covers. Tim Robinson does well to run back and take the catch.

Short of a length, just outside off, Tanzid Hasan cuts it, but the point fielder makes a good stop.

On a length, outside off, Tanzid Hasan dabs it to point.

Back of a length, on off, Tanzid Hasan dabs it to the off side.

Up in the air... but lands safely! Hard-length delivery, just outside off. Tanzid Hasan looks to pull it, but miscues the shot. The ball flies high and drops behind the square leg inner rings. Dean Foxcroft is the fielder who runs back from covers and dives, but is way short of catching.

Saif Hassan is down on the ground and the physio is having a look at the injury. Well, nothing to worry Bangladesh, as Saif is back on his feet. We are all good to go.

On a length, around off, Tanzid Hasan pushes it to the left of the mid-wicket region with soft hands. The fielder in the region moves to his left and throws it at the bowler's end, but the ball hits the left heel of Saif Hassan when he just gets inside the crease.

Back of a length, angling across the left-hander. Tanzid Hasan looks to jab it away but gets beaten.

New Zealand are making their first change as Ben Sears joins the attack.

On a length, on off, Saif Hassan fends it to cover.

FOUR! Easy pickings for Saif Hassan! Overpitched, on middle and leg, angling in. Saif Hassan just rolls his wrists and flicks it swiftly toward the left of the square leg fielder for four runs.

On a length, around off, Saif Hassan dabs it to cover.

Fuller, around the pads of the batter, Saif Hassan flicks it to left of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Fullish, outside off, Saif Hassan guides it past the point fielder for a couple of runs.

FOUR! Up and over! Smith starts off banging on a hard length, on the sixth stump. Saif Hassan comes down the track and punches it with a cross-bat over the cover region for four runs. That's the first boundary of the game.

Who will bowl from the other end? Nathan Smith it is!

Fuller, on the stumps, Saif Hassan pushes it to wide of mid on for a single. A tidy start from New Zealand. Five runs from the first over.

Dean Foxcroft drags his length back, around off, Tanzid Hasan rocks back and nudges it to leg side and gets a single.

A touch fuller, on off, Tanzid Hasan pushes it back to the bowler.

Edged and away! New Zealand are up and running, but not exactly the way they wanted. Tossed up once again, with some flight to offer, just outside off. Saif Hassan lunges and looks to lash it through cover, but gets nicked on the outside edge. The fielder in the short third region does well to track back and flicks the ball just before it touches the boundary ropes. Three runs taken.

Fuller now, just outside off, Saif Hassan eases it to cover.

Dean Foxcroft jogs from over the wicket and bowls short, outside off, Saif Hassan pushes it to cover.

We are all set to begin this intriguing encounter! The two umpires stride toward the center of the ground. New Zealand players are scattering as well to take their respective fielding positions. Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan will open the innings for Bangladesh. It will be spin to start as Dean Foxcroft has taken his run-up and is holding the new ball. Saif Hassan to face the first delivery. Away we go...

Spin bowling coach of Bangladesh - Mushtaq Ahmed says that he has no idea about how the pitch is going to react and adds that they need to assess as the game flows. On giving a message to the players, he says that it's all about reading the conditions faster than the opposition. He believes in getting wickets by bowling dot balls and assessing the wicket's pace, that's the key to success.

PITCH REPORT - HD Ackermann reports that the match is being played on the same surface used for the first ODI, noting that its uneven bounce poses a significant challenge for batters attempting to play free-flowing T20 shots. He details the ground dimensions, identifying a long 79-metre straight boundary contrasted by a short 58-metre leg-side boundary for right-handers. HD says that while the pitch itself appears compact and suggests the ball will come on well, Ackermann reckons that a damp outfield might slow down aerial shots despite the ball travelling quickly along the grass. Ackweman suggests that 150 is an inadequate total on this wicket, advising teams to target at least 170 to feel secure.

Bangladesh (Playing XI) - Litton Das (C)(WK), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Tawhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Ripon Mondol.

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Tim Robinson, Katene Clarke, Dane Cleaver (WK), Nick Kelly (C), Bevon Jacobs, Dean Foxcroft, Josh Clarkson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Jayden Lennox, Ben Sears.

Bangladesh captain Litton Das - Das says that he also intended to bowl first as well, noting that while the pitch appears solid, the overhead conditions favor a chase. Litton expresses satisfaction with his team's recent performance, highlighting that the top three batters successfully addressed the middle-over struggles that plagued them in previous series. Das informs one change to the side, with Mohammad Saifuddin replacing Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who is sidelined with back issues.

New Zealand captain Nick Kelly - Kelly says that they are bowling first, citing the local weather conditions as the primary reason for his tactical shift from an initial plan to bat. Nick explains that the rain makes it easier for his side to identify the exact target they are chasing. Reflecting on their previous performance, Kelly says that while they dominated a majority of the match, they failed to close it out effectively. Kelly concludes by saying that they need to improve finishing in games and confirms that the squad has made two changes to the lineup.

TOSS - New Zealand have won the coin flip and they have elected to BOWL first.

Mirpur conditions hold the key - This finale is likely to be decided in the middle phase. Bangladesh’s spinners have made scoring tough through that period, and if they repeat that squeeze, New Zealand could again find themselves 15-20 runs short. Venue familiarity heavily favors the hosts, who know every nuance of Mirpur’s surface and dimensions. Still, the biggest unknown is the weather. With rain and thunderstorms in the forecast, both teams will want to stay ahead on DLS and make early moves. If we get a full 40 overs, expect a tactical battle built around spin, game awareness, and handling pressure, with Bangladesh eyeing history and New Zealand desperate to salvage pride. Toss and team news in a bit. 

NZ searching for a complete performance - It’s been a tough tour for this New Zealand squad, missing several regulars, but individual sparks have kept them competitive. Katene Clarke and Dane Cleaver have shown they can take on the attack, yet the side’s main issue surfaced in the first game, a mid-innings slowdown that undid a promising start. To level the series, they’ll need to be smarter against spin through the middle phase and ensure one of the top four bats deep. Veteran Ish Sodhi’s role will be crucial as well, his variations on a Mirpur surface that grips could help New Zealand control Bangladesh’s scoring and force mistakes. Adaptation to Dhaka’s slower, lower conditions will be key. 

Bangladesh chasing a landmark double - Confidence is running high in the Bangladesh camp. Their middle order has looked assured and proactive, with Tawhid Hridoy’s unbeaten 51 in the first T20I anchoring the chase and Shamim Hossain providing impetus around him. The spinners have also been clinical, using home conditions to great effect. The one lingering question is the opening combination, as Saif Hassan, in particular, has not been at his best throughout New Zealand's tour of Bangladesh. A slow start or early wickets have put the middle order under pressure at times, and against a quality Kiwi attack, the hosts will want a more stable platform. Fix that, and Bangladesh’s path to a historic double-series win looks much clearer.

Series finale takes center stage in Dhaka - It’s all on the line as the 3-match T20I series between Bangladesh and New Zealand heads into a decisive third game at Mirpur. With the hosts holding a 1-0 lead after a dominant win in the opener, and the second match in Chattogram washed out by rain, the Black Caps have one last shot to square the series. For Bangladesh, the equation is simple,  win and complete a memorable double after taking the ODI series 2-1. The Shere Bangla National Stadium sets the scene for what should be a high-stakes, high-energy clash, though fans will be watching the skies with thunderstorms forecast through the week in Dhaka.

... MATCHDAY ...

Decider in Dhaka - All roads lead to the Shere-e-Bangla National Stadium as Bangladesh and New Zealand gear up for the third and final T20I, with the hosts holding the edge after winning the opener and the second game being washed out. Bangladesh have already clinched the ODI series and now stand one step away from completing a clean sweep across formats, while New Zealand are under pressure to avoid back-to-back T20I series defeats after their recent loss to South Africa, despite having been runners-up at the 2026 T20 World Cup not too long ago. Middle-order muscle for the hosts - Bangladesh have looked the more settled side, and their middle order could once again be the difference. Towhid Hridoy's unbeaten 51 off 27 in the first game showcased his composure under pressure, while Shamim Hossain's explosive 31* off 13 provided the finishing punch, with Parvez Hossain Emon also chipping in with a handy knock. That spread of contributions highlights a batting unit that is finding ways to deliver collectively. The duo of Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan forms an attacking top-order, while the experience of Litton Das is invaluable. With the ball, their spin-heavy attack is perfectly suited to home conditions. Mahedi Hasan and Rishad Hossain were among the wickets in the opening game, while the pacey duo of Shoriful Islam and Tanzim Hasan Sakib Taskin Ahmed adds control and variety across phases. It's a unit that understands these conditions well and has the tools to apply pressure consistently. Youth potential - For New Zealand, this tour has been about opportunity, with several first-choice players unavailable due to franchise commitments, allowing a younger group to step in. There were positives with the bat in the opening game, as Dane Cleaver and Katene Clarke both struck fluent half-centuries, while Nick Kelly got among the runs too, showing they have the firepower to compete. The return of Tom Latham will be key as he will bring in the experience and can play the anchor for his side, letting the others play freely. However, their inability to defend 182 will be a concern, and the bowling unit will need to step up collectively. Ish Sodhi picked up two wickets, but more will be expected from the likes of Ben Lister, Nathan Smith and the all-round options to control the flow in the middle and at the death. Spin in play with a twist of rain - The Dhaka surface is known to assist spinners, especially as the game progresses, bringing control and smart batting into focus. Scores can be tricky to chase if wickets fall in clusters, making the Powerplay and middle overs crucial phases. There is also a threat of rain looming once again, which could influence the contest, but both sides will be hoping for a full game to properly decide the series. Team form (last five completed T20Is, most recent first) - BAN - WWWLL | NZ - LWWLL. Who delivers? Bangladesh have a golden opportunity to seal another series win at home and cap off a dominant tour, while New Zealand will be desperate to salvage pride and finish level. With momentum on one side and motivation on the other, this decider promises a tightly fought battle where one defining performance could shape the outcome.