New Zealand stand in captain Nick Kelly has praised Bangladesh’s cricket fans after his team ended the hosts’ hopes of a T20I series win in Mirpur.
Kelly said he felt sorry for the home supporters after New Zealand won the rain hit final match by six wickets under the DLS method to finish the three match series level at 1-1.
Bangladesh had taken the lead with a six wicket win in the first match. The second game in Chattogram was abandoned due to rain. The final match at Sher e Bangla National Cricket Stadium was reduced to 15 overs a side after another rain break.
Bangladesh struggled badly with the bat and were bowled out for 102. New Zealand then chased down the target comfortably with 20 balls left.
After the match, Kelly spoke warmly about the support his side received from Bangladeshi fans throughout the tour.
Kelly said, “The atmosphere here in Bangladesh was outstanding. The fans kept coming to the ground, they kept cheering. Their passion for cricket is huge. Even after the rain, people still came back to the stadium. The people of Bangladesh have been amazing. We had a really great time here. The stands were almost full in every match. We are sorry that we spoiled their joy. We won the match, but they really love cricket. In that sense, I would say we were able to give them something as well.”
Kelly also praised Bangladesh’s bowling quality and said the changing attacks made life difficult for his side.
He said, “Bangladesh had two very different bowling attacks. Both were excellent. Across the two series, they used different types of bowlers. When you get used to one bowling unit in a series and then after three matches face a completely changed attack, it becomes very tough. It has been a valuable experience for us. But they are all very good bowlers and they showed their class.”
Kelly also admitted the rain helped shape New Zealand’s victory.
He said, “It was very important. Before the toss, we had spoken about it. Before the rain, we thought we would bat first, then later we felt bowling first would be better. Once the rain came, that really helped us. When you suddenly walk out and the game becomes 15 overs, it becomes difficult. If you know from the start it is a 15 over game, maybe you bat more aggressively right away. That is why the toss decision and how it played out really went in our favor.”
