New Zealand Secures 26-Run Victory Over Bangladesh in First ODI

In the first ODI match of the series, New Zealand secured a 26-run victory over Bangladesh at the Shere Bangla Stadium. Key performances included Henry Nicholls' solid innings and Blair Tickner's impressive bowling. Despite a valiant effort from Bangladesh's Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy, they fell short of the target, ending their innings at 221 runs. The match sets the stage for an exciting second ODI on Monday. Read on for detailed highlights and player performances.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 18, 2026, 02:05 IST

New Zealand Triumphs in First ODI Against Bangladesh

Dhaka [Bangladesh], April 17: In an exciting opening match of the ODI series, New Zealand emerged victorious by 26 runs against Bangladesh at the Shere Bangla Stadium on Friday.

Choosing to bat first, the Kiwi team, led by Tom Latham, faced an early setback as Nick Kelly was dismissed in the seventh over after scoring just seven runs off 23 balls, including one boundary.

Henry Nicholls and Will Young formed a solid partnership, adding 73 runs for the second wicket before Rishad Hossain ended their collaboration in the 22nd over. Young contributed 30 runs from 42 balls, hitting two fours.

Captain Latham managed to score 14 runs before being bowled by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, while newcomer Muhammad Abbas added 14 runs to the total.

Nicholls was in fine form, scoring 68 runs with nine fours in his 83-ball innings before Hossain dismissed him. Dean Foxcroft then accelerated the scoring, reaching a half-century and helping the team surpass 240 runs.

Nathan Smith remained not out at 21, setting a target of 248 runs for Bangladesh.

Hossain, Shoriful Islam, and Taskin Ahmed each took two wickets, while Nahid Rana and Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed one wicket each.

In response, Bangladesh's opening pair, Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan Tamim, started strong, but Nathan Smith quickly turned the tide by dismissing Tamim on the first ball of the fourth over, who scored only two runs.

Smith followed up by bowling Najmul Hossain Shanto on the next delivery, delivering a double blow to the hosts.

Litton Das scored 46 runs off 68 balls, forming a 93-run partnership with Hassan before Dean Foxcroft broke that stand.

Saif Hassan reached his half-century but was dismissed shortly after, scoring 57 runs off 76 balls, including eight fours and a six.

Towhid Hridoy contributed 55 runs off 60 balls, adding 52 runs with Afif Hossain before Jayden Lennox ended their partnership in the 41st over.

With captain Miraz also falling soon after, Hridoy was left to carry the innings. Despite his efforts, Bangladesh lost wickets rapidly and were ultimately bowled out for 221 runs, falling short by 26 runs. They now trail 0-1 in the three-match ODI series.

Blair Tickner was the standout bowler for New Zealand, taking four wickets, while Nathan Smith secured three. Dean Foxcroft was awarded Player of the Match for his impressive all-round performance.

The second ODI of the series is scheduled to take place at the same venue on Monday.