Jacobs' blazing 62* helps New Zealand level T20I series against Tigers

FE Team | Published: May 02, 2026 22:03:42

Bevon Jacobs scored an unbeaten 53 in a stunning counter-attack to guide New Zealand to a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in a rain-shortened Twenty20 International on Saturday, securing a 1-1 draw in the three-match series, reports UNB.
Chasing 103 to win in 15 overs, New Zealand reached the target in 11.4 overs. The visitors initially struggled, falling to 33 for four inside five overs.
Bangladesh fast bowler Shoriful Islam struck quickly to keep the hosts in the game, dismissing Katene Clarke, Dane Cleaver, and opener Tim Robinson, who scored a rapid 23 off 14 deliveries. Shoriful finished with figures of three for 19.
Jacobs anchored the recovery, hitting five sixes and two boundaries during his 23-ball innings. He built an unbroken partnership with Dean Foxcroft, who scored an unbeaten 15, to steer New Zealand comfortably past the target without further loss.
Earlier, a batting collapse following a nearly two-hour rain delay left Bangladesh bowled out for 102 in 14.2 overs. The hosts were navigating a shaky start at 50 for three when rain halted play in the seventh over. Upon the match's resumption, Bangladesh lost their final six wickets for just 26 runs in 25 deliveries. Litton Das top-scored for the hosts with 25 runs. Josh Clarkson led the New Zealand bowling attack upon the restart, taking three wickets for nine runs. Ben Sears claimed two for 12.
Nathan Smith, who initiated the early top-order damage by removing Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon in the fifth over, finished with two for 14. Bangladesh won the opening match in Chattogram, and the second game was abandoned due to heavy rain. The hosts previously won the ODI series against the touring New Zealand squad.