Following a defeat in the three-match ODI series, Bangladesh faced a tough task against the Black Caps in the first T20I at McLean Park.
Despite Ish Sodhi’s crucial dropped catch, the Tigers secured their first T20I victory in New Zealand, building on their earlier ODI success on Kiwi soil.
Bangladesh’s strong start, led by Mahedi Hasan and Shoriful Islam, quickly rattled the home team, reducing them to 20/4 within 4.4 overs.
Despite a late rally from the New Zealand lower order, posting 134/9 in 20 overs, Bangladesh maintained an aggressive approach, indirectly benefiting from Sodhi’s crucial missed catch.
Needing 24 runs from the final 18 balls, Litton Das’s aggressive play against Ben Sears shifted the momentum, bringing the required rate below run-a-ball. However, Sodhi’s attempt to catch a boundary-bound ball resulted in a dramatic moment.
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Das, attempting a leg-stump scoop, narrowly avoided dismissal as Sodhi, unsure of his position, stepped on the boundary cushions while catching the ball. His subsequent effort to throw it back in play revealed his error, leading to a costly blunder for the New Zealand team.