SPORTS DESK: Captain Tom Latham brought up his second 50 in the series as New Zealand put up a respectable 161-5 in the fifth and final Twenty20 International against Bangladesh at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.
Latham’s 50 off 37, that was studded by two four and as many sixes was key after opener Finn Allen provided a strong base for the side, aiming to make the series scoreline 3-2.
Bangladesh who had already clinched the series, is leading it 3-1.
After opting to bat first, New Zealand made a high-flying start with opener Finn Allen tearing apart Bangladesh bowling in some style.
Allen treated left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed, the best bowler of Bangladesh in the last match, in disdain, hitting him four and six in the second over to clear his intent.
He then grew with more confidence and went after every Bangladesh bowlers he faced. That kept Kiwis is such good stead that a score closer 200 looked a highly likely.
Bangladesh, however, broke through firstly, having trapped Rachin Ravindra for run-out after he calmly made 17 off 12 amid the carnage of Allen.
But they got a double delight when Shoriful Islam, one of the four changes of Bangladesh in this match including Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman, removed Allen.
Shoriful who tasted the wrath of Allen mostly, rattled his stump in the immediate next ball after the batsmen overturned a leg-before decision successfully.
Allen smote four fours and three sixes in his 41 off 24.
After the dismissal of Allen, Bangladesh bowlers stalled the progress of the Kiwis by bowling in discipline channel which also brought up some wickets for them.
But Allen provided such a good start that it was a great platform for skipper Tom Latham.
The skipper further launched a spectacular attack on Bangladesh bowlers to help the side amass 54 runs in the last five overs. He was ably supported by Henry Nicholls 20 and Cole McConchie’s 17 off 10.
Shoriful Islam who conceded 48 runs in four overs, took two wickets while Taskin, Nasum and Afif scalped one wicket apiece. (BSS)
