In the second match of the three-game ODI series against Bangladesh, New Zealand posted a challenging total of 254 runs in 49.2 overs on Saturday in Mirpur.

Having lost the toss, Bangladesh bowled first. They swiftly dismissed Will Young, courtesy of a sharply rising delivery from Mustafizur Rahman. Litton Das secured a routine catch behind the wickets.

Finn Allen and Chad Bowes were subsequently sent back in a quick succession, leaving New Zealand at a modest 36 runs.

However, from that point onward, Henry Nicholls and wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell forged a resilient 95-run partnership off 111 balls, stabilizing the team after a shaky start.

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The stand was ultimately broken by debutant Khaled Ahmed, who dismissed Nicholls at 49. Blundell, however, continued his impressive performance, scoring 68 runs off 66 balls.

Yet, it was the late-order batters who propelled New Zealand beyond the 250-run threshold.

Ish Sodhi, who was involved in a run-out at the non-striker's end for 18 runs due to Hasan Mahmud's swift action, remained unbeaten at 35 runs off 39 balls.

In a dramatic turn of events, he was recalled by Bangladesh captain Litton Das and bowler Hasan Mahmud to resume batting, even after being initially declared out following a TV replay that indicated Ish was out of the crease when Hasan dislodged the bails while delivering the ball.

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Debutant pacer Khaled impressed with figures of three for 60. Right-arm spinner Mahedi Hasan also claimed three wickets for Bangladesh too, while left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman secured two. 

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