15 Oct 2010

New Zealand lose cricket series to Bangladesh

8:43 am on 15 October 2010

Bangladesh are celebrating their first series win over an established cricket nation at full strength, after a nine-run win in the fourth one day international against the Black Caps in Dhaka gave the home side an unbeatable 3-0 lead.

The home team's hero again was their captain Shakib Al Hasan who smashed 106 off 113 balls under pressure in their total of 241, then took three wickets as the Black Caps were dismissed for 232 with three balls to spare.

The young New Zealand batsman Kyle Williamson had threatened to spoil the party for Bangladesh, hitting 108 - his maiden century - having struggled with cramp and batted with a runner after reaching 71. But despite his world-class performance - becoming the youngest New Zealander to reach an ODI century - he was dismissed in the last over as the Black Caps fell short.

New Zealand needed 16 runs from the last over with just one wicket in hand, but Williamson was caught out on the boundary with three balls remaining.

Williamson top scored with 108, while the debutant Hamish Bennett was the best of the bowlers, claiming three for 44 off his eight overs.

The Black Caps have one more chance to win a match on tour.

Bangladesh beat a severely depleted West Indies side 3-0 in the Caribbean last year.