|| CF DESK ||

Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad steered Bangladesh to their first-ever T20 win against New Zealand by seven wickets at the Sher-e Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNCS) in Mirpur on Wednesday.

After the Tigers wrapped up New Zealand for their joint-lowest total for 60 runs, they got off to a rocky start as opener Mohammad Naim was caught by Henry Nicholls off debutant Cole McConchie. Following that, another opener, Liton Das, was stumped by Latham as he attempted to drive but ended up dragging his rear foot out of the crease.

Then Shakib al Hasan and Mushfiqur put up a 35-run stand for the third wicket which saved the host to get rid of the early push. However, Shakib fell prey to Rachin Ravindra, who bagged his maiden international wicket.

Then Mahmudullah joined the crease, the duo stood strong after the dismissal of Shakib (25 off 33) anchored the innings by putting a 25 run partnership, Mushfiq played a pull shot that raced away for four to win the crucial game.

Earlier, Bangladesh made an eccentric start as Mahedi Hasan had castled the debutant Ravindra for naught in the very first over of the match. Another batter Will Young also departed early being bowled by Shakib.

The Kiwis lost four batsmen in the first four overs, putting the score at 9/4. Left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed scalped two wickets in a single over, returning De Grandhomme (1), who was caught at deep square leg by Mohammad Naim, and then bowled Tom Blundell for his second wicket of the over.

Latham was dropped on 17 by Mahmudullah, the batter chipped the ball at the bowler off a leading edge and the ball land just in front of Mahmudullah who had put in a drive ahead of him.

The 34-run partnership between Latham and Henry Nicholls provided some resistance to the visitors but Mohammad Saifuddin made the breakthrough captain Latham on 18 off 25 balls. Then Shakib strikes again by dismissing another debutant McConchie caught off by Mushfiqur.