Tigers rebuilding after O’Rourke burst

Bangladesh were left rebuilding their innings after New Zealand pacer Will O’Rourke struck early to remove the top three batters cheaply in the series-deciding third and final ODI at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram today.

O’Rourke made an immediate impact, dismissing opener Saif Hassan (0 off 2), who edged the second delivery of the match to the wicketkeeper after the visitors opted to bowl first.

The right-arm quick then had Tanzid Tamim (1 off 5) chop one onto his stumps in the following over, before removing Soumya Sarkar (18 off 26), who had looked set after getting a start, in a similar fashion.

The Tigers slumped to 32 for three before Litton Das and Najmul Hossain Shanto began rebuilding the innings, guiding the hosts to 57 for three after 14 overs.

Mustafizur, Tanvir in as Bangladesh bat first in series decider 

New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl first in the series-deciding ODI against Bangladesh at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram today, with the series finely poised.

Bangladesh made two changes to their lineup. Mustafizur Rahman and Tanvir Islam have been included in the playing XI, replacing Taskin Ahmed and Rishad Hossain.

The touring side made one change to their XI, bringing in Ben Lister in place of Blair Tickner for the decisive encounter.

It was the third consecutive toss defeat for Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the series.

Mustafizur Rahman had been under an injury cloud after experiencing discomfort ahead of the first ODI in Mirpur, which initially ruled him out of that match. He also missed the second ODI, which Bangladesh won by six wickets to level the series.