Better wicket leads to competitive game

Bangladesh beat New Zealand by a narrow margin of four runs in the second T20I at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series and both captains argued that the pitch was better than the one which was on offer in the first T20I where the Kiwis were bowled out for their joint-lowest T20 score of 60.

The Tigers put on a solid batting display, putting on 141 for six with the top-order finding runs before skipper Mahmudullah Riyad put on the finishing touches. The Tigers' captain credited the bowlers for coming through in a wicket which fared better under lights, restricting the Kiwis to 137 for 5.

New Zealand put on a better show with the bat after swallowing a bitter seven-wicket defeat in the first game. Tom Latham's unbeaten 49-ball 65, laced with six fours and a six, took them within touching distance before they fell short by four runs needing six off the last delivery.

"Yeah, it was a great game to take it down to the last over considering how things went in the first game. I thought we learnt from the last game and we did that really well, especially with the bat. We were able to build partnerships and to take it down to the last over with a chance of winning," Latham said in the post-match presentation ceremony.

The Kiwi skipper reiterated that chasing 140-odd runs was going to be challenging but a better surface produced better cricket. "Yeah, I think a better surface makes for a better game and that certainly was the case. The spinners did well and for us it was about executing our skills and we probably weren't there as we would have liked, but I still think 130-140 was a competitive score. We took it deep to give ourselves a chance," he concluded.

Riyad said that the bowlers were up to the task defending the 141-run total in a track that favoured batsmen more at night.

"Wicket was better here compared to the previous match. When we were batting, deliveries bounced irregularly but at night the wicket got better. Keeping that in mind, the bowlers did very well to defend the runs and credit goes to them."

Liton Das and Mohammad Naim's 59-run opening stand created the platform for a good total and Riyad credited them for playing a vital role.

"It's difficult to bat against the new ball here. When the seam is hard, there is bounce and a few deliveries skid while there is some sharp turn on offer too. Liton and Naim did what was required in the Powerplay, providing the optimum start."

Mustafizur Rahman was Bangladesh's main weapon as Kiwis went into the last over needing 20 runs. A beamer went for four and he went back to basics in his final two deliveries to defend the score. "Mustafiz held his nerve well and we went really close. It was unusual, but I had quite a bit of confidence in Mustafizur," Riyad concluded.