New Zealand Defeat Bangladesh in 1st ODI After Late-Order Collapse Triggered by Tickner
Tickner’s spell sparks Bangladesh collapse, New Zealand wins ODI.
Blair Tickner sparked a dramatic late collapse to power New Zealand to a 26-run victory over Bangladesh in the opening ODI of their three-match series. The paceman claimed 4-40, dismantling the hosts' chase by taking four wickets for just five runs in his final spell as Bangladesh crumbled from 194-5 to 221 all out in 48.3 overs. Henry's Nicholls (68) and Dean Foxcroft (59, Player of the Match) anchored New Zealand's 247-8 on a slow pitch.
New Zealand elected to bat first in humid conditions at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, where Bangladesh's bowlers struck sporadically. Shoriful Islam, returning after injury, took 2-27, but costly dropped catches allowed the Kiwis to build a defendable total. Nathan Smith set the tone in the chase by removing openers Tanzid Hasan (early) and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto with consecutive deliveries, finishing with 3-45.
Bangladesh appeared in control at 194-5 in the 44th over, led by Towhid Hridoy's resolute 55, but Tickner's burst changed the game. He first induced Mehidy Hasan Miraz (6) to edge behind, then cleaned up lower-order resistance including Shoriful Islam (0) off his next ball. The collapse mirrored Bangladesh's recurring middle-order fragility in home ODIs.
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Tickner's late surge—his best ODI figures yet—highlighted New Zealand's pace attack depth despite the subcontinental conditions. At 32, the right-arm quick has now taken 17 ODI wickets, building on domestic success with Central Stags. Captain Tom Latham praised the bowlers' resilience after a gritty batting effort on a turning track.
No team has endured a full ODI series whitewash recently, but Bangladesh now trails 0-1 with two games left in Dhaka. New Zealand aims to build on this momentum ahead of the World Cup cycle, while the hosts seek quick amends. The series resumes Sunday, testing Bangladesh's recovery against a clinical Black Caps unit.
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