Tigers collapse to 102 all out against New Zealand

Play in the series-deciding T20 final between Bangladesh and New Zealand was interrupted by rain on Saturday, with the hosts placed at 50 for 3 after 6.4 overs at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.

The match, which determines the winner of the series, resumed briefly after an earlier rain delay but was forced to stop again as heavy showers intensified. The pitch was quickly covered, leaving Bangladesh in a precarious position after a shaky start.

Bangladesh lost three top-order wickets for just 35 runs before the rain intervention. Openers Saif Hasan and Tanzid Hasan Tamim began cautiously, but New Zealand’s debutant spinner Jayden Lennox triggered a collapse. Saif Hasan (16 off 11) edged a drive off Lennox’s first delivery in T20 internationals, giving a catch to Tim Robinson at cover point.

Tanzid Hasan Tamim managed just 6 off 10 balls before being bowled by Nathan Smith. On the very next delivery, Parvez Hossain Emon was dismissed for a golden duck, caught by Ish Sodhi at short third man, leaving the Tigers reeling at 35/3.

At the stoppage, captain Liton Das was unbeaten on 25, while Towhid Hridoy remained not out on 2.

The home side will hope for improved conditions and a strong middle-order fightback once play resumes. Bangladesh made one change to their lineup, bringing in all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin in place of Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who was ruled out with a back injury.

New Zealand fielded an unchanged XI as they look to level the series.

Lineups:

Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Saif Hasan, Liton Das (c & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Parvez Hossain Emon, Shamim Hossain Patwari, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Ripon Mondol, Shoriful Islam.

New Zealand: Katene Clarke, Tim Robinson, Dane Cleaver (wk), Nick Kelly (c), Bevon Jacobs, Dean Foxcroft, Josh Clarkson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Jayden Lennox, Ben Sears.