DHAKA, (Reuters) – The Bangladesh spinners tied New Zealand in knots to set up a crushing seven-wicket victory for the hosts in the third one-day international yesterday.
New Zealand struggled to 173 all out and openers Shahriar Nafees and Imrul Kayes shared a century stand as Bangladesh cruised to their target with 10 overs to spare to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
It was only Bangladesh’s third victory over New Zealand in 19 one-day internationals and their second in a row. Rain washed out the second match of the series.
Unheralded spinner Mohammad Suhrawadi completed figures of three for 14 to claim the man of the match award.
New Zealand slumped to 101 for seven before vice-captain Ross Taylor struck an unbeaten 62 off 72 balls to give their total some respectability.
Shahriar struck 13 boundaries in his 11th one-day fifty before falling to Nathan McCullum for a run-a-ball 73.
Imrul made 50 off 83 balls and Roqibul Hassan and Shakib al-Hasan steered their side to victory in front of a delighted 15,000 crowd.
The fourth match of the series will be held at the same venue on Thursday.