WHAT A SHOT!
That was the reaction to a Shamim Hossain Patwari special six. It came off a bouncer from Nathan Smith in the 16th over, with Bangladesh chasing 182 in the T20I series opener at the Bir Shreshtho Shahid Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium in Chattogram on Monday.
Shamim improvised with audacity, playing a cheeky periscope over the wicketkeeper’s head, the ball racing away towards the sightscreen at the media end in Sagorika. What made it stand out even more was the no-look nature of the shot, pure instinct, pure confidence.
Smith’s over went for 18 runs, and Towhid Hridoy added the finishing touch to it by launching the last ball over square leg for a towering six. In the blink of an eye, the equation came down to 30 from 24 balls, and from there Bangladesh never looked back.
Hridoy and Shamim took complete control. The duo stitched an unbeaten 49-run partnership off just 21 balls for the fifth wicket, turning what could have been a tense finish into a statement. Bangladesh cruised to a six-wicket win and took a 1-0 lead in the series with authority.
Hridoy led the charge with his sixth T20I fifty, scoring 51 from 27 balls with three sixes and two fours. At the other end, Shamim played the perfect finisher’s role, smashing 31 not out from just 13 balls at a strike rate of 200, including two sixes and three fours.
This was Bangladesh’s highest successful run chase against New Zealand in T20Is, and also their highest on home soil. The previous best against the Kiwis was 134, while the earlier highest chase at home was 171 against Ireland. This one felt different. Bigger. More commanding.
The chase, however, did not begin with that same authority. Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan Tamim added 41 for the opening stand, but the intent was missing. Saif tried to break free but ended up offering a catch to Bevon Jacobs at long-on off Smith.
The powerplay produced just 44 runs, which left Bangladesh slightly behind in a steep chase. The pressure increased when Tanzid departed after a scratchy 20 from 25 balls.
Captain Litton Das looked positive during his brief stay, striking two fours and a six in his 21 off 15 balls, but he was undone by a low delivery from Ish Sodhi. The turning point came through Parvez Hossain Emon. His counterattacking 28 off 14 balls shifted the momentum completely before he was caught at long-off off Josh Clarkson. It was not a big innings in numbers, but it changed the mood of the chase.
At one stage, Bangladesh needed 106 from the last 10 overs. From that position, the game demanded intent, and Bangladesh responded with aggression.
Emon, known for his ability to clear the ropes, struck two massive sixes that sailed deep into the stands. In a slightly new middle-order role, he did not hesitate. He attacked.
Hridoy later praised him, saying, “What Emon did was the right choice. He had a very clear mindset. I also shared a bit of information with him, suggesting he try a few options here and there. In the end, his execution was excellent.”
Hridoy himself showcased his class. A naturally wristy batter, he used that strength to perfection, launching two full deliveries for six, one over long-off and another over deep midwicket. It was controlled aggression, calculated but fearless.
Shamim then took over and finished it in style. It took him just three balls to make his presence felt, starting with that outrageous periscope. From there, it was a mix of flicks, powerful slashes and fearless hitting in a 13-ball blitz that broke New Zealand’s resistance.
Reflecting on the impact of such contributions, Hridoy said, “In my opinion, even a 10-run knock can be impactful in T20 cricket. That’s what Shamim and Emon did today, and it made winning the match much easier.”
The message behind the innings was clear. Bangladesh are not just chasing targets anymore, they are dictating terms. Hridoy, the player of the match, summed it up perfectly: “As the saying goes, attack is the best form of defence. In international cricket, you cannot afford to stay on the back foot.”
He also pointed out the reality of middle-order batting: “Number five or six is such a position where you will not score fifties regularly. If someone scores a fifty from number six, it usually means the team has already been pushed onto the back foot.”
This victory was not just about numbers or records. It was about intent, clarity and execution under pressure. Bangladesh did not just chase down 182. They overpowered it.
And when Shamim flexed his muscles at the end, it felt symbolic. A team playing with freedom, a team playing with belief, and a team that did not just beat New Zealand, but dominated them.
