Saturday, 2nd May 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 2nd May 2026, 5:40 PM
Following a definitive defeat to New Zealand in the third and final T20 International at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh captain Litton Das has attributed the loss of competitive momentum to the persistent weather interruptions. The match, which was ultimately decided via the DLS method, saw the home side succumb to a six-wicket loss, resulting in the three-match series concluding in a 1-1 stalemate.
The captain provided a candid assessment of the squad’s performance, acknowledging that the team failed to meet the required standards in both the batting and bowling departments. Despite the early promise shown in the first fixture of the series, the final encounter was characterised by a lack of consistency that allowed the visitors to reclaim control of the series.
During the post-match briefing, Litton identified the timing of the rainfall as a critical factor that hampered the home side’s recovery efforts. After a precarious start, Litton and Towhid Hridoy had begun to stabilise the innings, attempting to construct a partnership that could lead to a competitive total. However, the intervention of the rain forced the players off the field at a pivotal moment.
“While Hridoy and I were in the process of building a partnership, the match was halted by rain,” Litton explained. “At that specific juncture, a substantial partnership was essential for our recovery. Unfortunately, the rain break disrupted our rhythm and we effectively lost our momentum. Quite simply, it was not our day.”
Litton had noted during the coin toss that the prevailing weather conditions would play a significant role in the match’s outcome. He reiterated that winning the toss was a crucial advantage, as the shifting conditions made setting a target particularly challenging for the side batting first.
The Bangladesh captain was direct regarding the inadequacy of the team’s total. Bangladesh managed to post a score in the region of 100 runs, a figure that Litton deemed insufficient for a pitch of that quality. He suggested that on such a surface, a target in the vicinity of 160 runs would have been necessary to challenge the New Zealand batting line-up.
However, he conceded that reaching a total of 150 or more while batting first in those specific atmospheric conditions was a formidable task. The interruption not only shortened the game but also forced the batters to accelerate under pressure immediately upon their return to the crease, leading to further wickets and preventing a late-innings surge.
Despite the overall disappointment, Litton took the opportunity to praise the efforts of the bowling unit, with particular emphasis on the performance of Shoriful Islam. The left-arm seamer managed to exert significant pressure on the New Zealand top order during the initial stages of the run chase, providing a glimmer of hope for a defensive victory.
“Shoriful bowled exceptionally well,” the captain remarked. “His disciplined opening spell allowed us to create early pressure on the New Zealand batters. However, we were unable to sustain that pressure until the end. Ultimately, our combined performance in both batting and bowling was not at the level required to win.”
The series, which began with a promising six-wicket victory for Bangladesh in Chattogram on 27 April, saw its second fixture abandoned due to rain on 29 April. Today’s result in Mirpur ensured that New Zealand successfully levelled the scores, leaving both teams with a shared result.
As the squad reflects on the missed opportunity to secure a home series win against a major cricketing nation, the focus remains on the tactical shortcomings identified by the captain. The inability to adapt to weather-driven momentum shifts and the lack of runs from the middle and lower order remain primary areas for development as the national team prepares for its next international commitment.
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