On Wednesday, New Zealand comfortably defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets to win the one-day international series. Henry Nicholls was heartbroken not to reach a century.
Even though opener Soumya Sarkar scored an incredible 169 off 151 balls, Bangladesh’s terrible ODI run in New Zealand continued, as they have now lost all 18 of their prior 50-over games against the Black Caps.
Najmul Hossain Shanto, the captain of Bangladesh, expressed his disappointment.
“What cost us today was losing a few early wickets. Our bowlers didn’t bowl well, but we had a solid total,” he continued.
Nicholls and Will Young hit a massive 128 for the second wicket in a superb batting performance by the home team. Later, as New Zealand’s batsmen took control, Latham and Nicholls combined to capture 56 more for the third wicket.
Tom Latham, the captain of New Zealand, remarked, “The way the openers set the innings up was outstanding.”
“To further position us, we had two strong alliances. It was quite methodical,” he continued.
With a lot of boundaries hit in his innings, Bangladeshi opener Soumya Sarkar led the visitors to a respectable 291 all out. However, with 95 off 99 balls, Nicholls spearheaded a potent Black Caps response, guiding the hosts to a convincing win.
While Bangladesh’s spinners failed to make an impact, all of New Zealand’s hitters gave impressive performances.
Young was speeding toward another century after making 105 in the opening One-Day International when Hasan Mahmud caught and bowled him.
With New Zealand in control at 204 for two, Young concluded on 89. His partnership with Nicholls for 129 runs off 131 balls at the second wicket proved to be the most profitable of the game.
Nicholls was caught with New Zealand on 260 for three after 40 overs, but Black Caps skipper Tom Latham and wicketkeeper Tom Blundell kept the hosts’ score ticking over with 34 runs off 32 balls.
After finishing on 24 from 20 balls in the 46th over, Blundell snared the victory with a massive six.