Towhid Hridoy produced a sensational unbeaten half-century to guide Bangladesh to a commanding six-wicket win over New Zealand in the opening T20I on Monday. Chasing a stiff target of 183, Bangladesh found themselves in early trouble at 77 for three in the 11th over, with New Zealand’s bowlers firmly in control. However, Hridoy’s calculated aggression turned the game on its head as he finished on a match-winning 51 not out off just 27 balls, laced with two fours and three sixes.He first stitched together a crucial 57-run stand with Parvez Hossain, who chipped in with a brisk 28 off 14 deliveries, before adding an unbeaten 49-run partnership with Shamim Hossain. Shamim provided the finishing flourish with a quickfire 31 not out off 13 balls as Bangladesh raced to 183 for four with two overs to spare, sealing an emphatic start to the series.New Zealand’s strong total goes in vainEarlier, New Zealand posted a competitive 182 for six after opting to bat, riding on impressive half-centuries from Dane Cleaver and Katene Clarke, both of whom scored 51. The duo shared a solid 88-run partnership for the second wicket after Tim Robinson was run out for a duck early on. At that stage, the visitors looked set for an even bigger total on a good batting surface.However, Bangladesh clawed their way back through leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, who struck twice in quick succession to remove both set batters and halt the momentum. The pace trio of Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib and debutant Ripon Mondol, after an initially wayward start, tightened their lines and lengths effectively. Tanzim’s wicket of Bevin Jacobs further dented New Zealand’s progress.Stand-in skipper Nick Kelly tried to steady the innings before a brief interruption due to bad light, while Josh Clarkson’s unbeaten 27 off 14 balls provided late impetus to push the total past 180.Despite a promising start with the ball, highlighted by Ish Sodhi’s 2 for 40, New Zealand failed to contain Bangladesh’s middle-order surge. The three-match series now moves to Chattogram on Wednesday, with Bangladesh holding a 1-0 lead.
