New Zealand beat Bangladesh by 44 runs via DLS method

New Zealand beat Bangladesh by 17 runs (DLS method) in the third and final T20I of the three-match series against Bangladesh at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Sunday (December 31).

The series ended in a 1-1 draw as the Tigers won the opener and the second game was abandoned. Meanwhile, the series finale was a low-scoring game as skipper Mitchell Santner starred with his all-round brilliance.

New Zealand elected to bowl after winning the toss and took 4-16 to help dismiss Bangladesh for a modest 110 at Mount Maunganui, leaving the tourists with a daunting task to seal their maiden series victory of any kind in New Zealand.

Earlier, New Zealand collapsed to 49-5 in response after Mahedi Hasan and Shoriful Islam struck timely blows, but Santner (18 not out) and Jimmy Neesham (28 not out) held their nerve to take them to within 16 runs of victory when heavy rain halted play.

Shoriful Islam has been awarded the Man of the Series award for his brilliant performance with the ball. He took 6 wickets in the series and is definitely a rising star for Bangladesh.

Mitchell Santner was awarded Player of the Match.