Twitter Reactions: Bangladesh seamers wreak havoc to orchestrate historic win in final ODI vs New Zealand

Bangladesh managed to avoid a series whitewash as they defeated New Zealand by nine wickets in the third and final ODI at McLean Park, on Saturday, December 23.

Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss on a green top in Napier and had no hesitation in opting to bowl first. The Bangladesh pacers were on the money from the word go. Tanzim Hasan Sakib used the favourable conditions to a nicety and asked the Kiwi openers a lot of tough questions. Rachin Ravindra was the first to be dismissed, as he edged one through to wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim off Sakib.

Henry Nicholls also departed a few overs later as skipper Tom Latham joined Will Young in the middle. The duo tried to resurrect the innings in challenging conditions as the Bangladeshi pacers got the ball to swing and seam, with pace and bounce in tow. A 36-run stand was broken by Shoriful Islam. This dismissal opened the floodgates as the New Zealand batters who followed, were all at sea against the impeccable bowling on offer.

Wickets fell in quick succession as the home side were bundled out for 98 in just 31.4 overs. Shoriful, Sakib, and Soumya Sarkar picked up three wickets apiece, while Mustafizur Rahman chipped in with one wicket.

Chasing a paltry total, Sarkar, who scored a majestic century in the second ODI, didn’t look at ease. He subsequently walked off the field with some discomfort in his right eye. Anamul Haque and Shanto formed an entertaining 69-run partnership off just 50 balls to take the tourists to the brink. The former was dismissed for 37 before Shanto (51* off 42 balls) and Litton Das took Bangladesh to a first ODI win against New Zealand in New Zealand.

The series finished 2-1 in favour of the hosts. Sakib was named the Player of the Match, while Young received the Player of the Series award.

Here’s a look at how ‘X’ users reacted to Bangladesh’s historic win: