New Zealand claimed victory in the third and final T20 match against Bangladesh, securing a 17-run win under rain-interrupted circumstances at Mount Maunganui.
With captain Mitchell Santner leading the bowling attack, New Zealand restricted Bangladesh to 110 runs. Santner’s impressive 4-16 halted Bangladesh’s innings, supported by key performances from Tim Southee, Adam Milne, and Ben Sears, who secured two wickets each.
Facing a challenging target due to a lively pitch, New Zealand struggled early, finding themselves at 49-5. However, Jimmy Neesham’s resilience, alongside Santner’s support, guided the team to 95-5 in 14.4 overs before heavy rain halted play. Neesham’s unbeaten 28 proved pivotal in steering the team comfortably ahead according to the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.
This win leveled the T20 series 1-1, denying Bangladesh their first series victory in New Zealand across any format. Despite their earlier success in the first T20 in Napier, and the rain-induced abandonment in the second match, Bangladesh couldn’t capitalize on this final opportunity, falling short in a determined effort against the Black Caps.
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