Dominant Bangladesh A Thrash New Zealand A by 7 Wickets in Series Opener

Bangladesh A kicked off their unofficial ODI series against New Zealand A with a commanding 7-wicket win in Sylhet. Chasing a modest target of 148, the hosts cruised to victory in just 27.2 overs, with Mahidul Islam Ankon remaining unbeaten on 42.

Put into bat after losing the toss, New Zealand A were rattled by Bangladesh’s fiery bowling. The pace duo of Shoriful Islam and Khaled Ahmed decimated the top order, reducing the visitors to 13/4. Left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam then weaved his magic to claim three wickets, leaving the Kiwis reeling at 85/9.

Only Dean Foxcroft offered any resistance, scoring an impressive unbeaten 72 off 64 balls, dragging his team to a respectable 147 all out in 34.3 overs.

In reply, opener Parvez Hossain Emon came out blazing, smashing 24 off just 12 balls, including six boundaries, before falling in the fourth over. His opening stand of 30 with Naim Sheikh set the tone early. Naim (18) soon followed, both falling to Christian Clarke.

Anamul Haque Bijoy (38) and Mahidul Islam Ankon then steadied the chase with a crucial 55-run partnership. Bijoy fell attempting a sweep shot, but the job was all but done.

Captain Nurul Hasan Sohan added a quickfire 20 off 26 balls, including a six, while Ankon remained calm and finished unbeaten on 42, ensuring Bangladesh A reached the target with 22.4 overs to spare.

With this emphatic win, Bangladesh A take a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.