New Zealand beat Bangladesh by 66 runs in first T20I
Devon Conway’s prolific international summer continued with an unbeaten 92 which led New Zealand to a 66-run win over Bangladesh in their first T20I fixture yesterday. Conway took his runs from only 52 balls and combined in a 105-run third wicket partnership with Will Young who made a half century from 28 balls in his T20 international debut.
The pair lifted New Zealand to 210/3 as it batted first after winning the toss. Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi then took four wickets in the space of eight balls — three bowled — as Bangladesh managed only 144/8 in reply.
Conway’s innings — his fourth T20 international half century in only his 12th match — followed his 126 in the third oneday international against Bangladesh on Friday which helped New Zealand clinch a 3-0 series win.
Conway led New Zealand with a 52-run partnership with Martin Guptill who made 35 from 27 balls with three fours and two sixes. He then began his most-profitable partnership with Young who raced to his 50 from 28 balls with two fours and four sixes. Conway posted his half century from 37 balls with six fours and a six and the pair steadily lifted New Zealand’s run-rate.
It was 158/3 when Young was dismissed in the 17th over for 53, playing the slog sweep and offering a catch to Afif Hossain from the bowling of Mahedi Hasan. Conway put on a further 52 in an unbroken fourth-wicket partnership with Glenn Phillips who finished 24 not out for 10 balls.
New Zealand’s batting demonstrated its growing depth as it played without injured captain Kane Williamson as well as Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner and Tim Seifert, who were rested before departing for the IPL.
Stand-in captain Tim Southee made the first breakthrough for New Zealand, dismissing Litton Das — caught by Sodhi — in the third over.
Speedster Lockie Ferguson, returning to the New Zealand line-up after recovering from a back injury, trapped Mohammad Naim Sheikh lbw for 27 when Bangladesh was 39/2. With Adam Milne now also available, New Zealand has the luxury of being able to call on two bowlers who operate at around 150kmh.
It was the more sedate Sodhi who dismantled the Bangladesh innings. He first took a sharp chance from Soumya Sarkar (5) from his own bowling in the sixth over, then bowled Mohammad Mithun (4), Mahmdullah (11) and Hasan (0), all in the space of eight balls. The tourists slumped to 59/6 before Afif Hossain (45) and Mohammad Shaifuddin (34 not out) added 63 for the seventh wicket. Sodhi finished on 4/28. (Agenices)