DHAKA, Sept 3, 2021 (BSS) - Bangladesh, aiming for a 2-0 lead in the five-match series against New Zealand, put up a decent score of 141-6 in the second Twenty20 International at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.

Opener Naim Sheikh was the top-scorer for the side with a run-a-ball-39 while captain Mahmudullah hit an unbeaten 37 off 32 with five fours, which actually helped the side edge closer to 140 runs mark. Another opener Liton Das was the other notable scorer with 33.

After opting to bat first, Bangladesh made a decent start with Naim and Liton putting on 59 runs for the opening stand. Even though they were little bit slow in ticking the scoreboard, it was a good platform which Bangladesh middle order failed to capitalize on.

New Zealand indeed hit back to the game through left-arm spinner Rachin Ravindra whose double strike put Bangladesh in jeopardized state.

Ravindra was the most successful bowler for the Kiwis with 3-22 in four overs.

Ravindra first broke through with the wicket of Liton who smashed three fours and one six in his 29 ball-33, and then had Mushfiqur Rahim stumped out with a flighted delivery for golden duck.

Off-spinner Cole McChonchie then derailed Bangladesh further, getting the better of Shakib Al Hasan for 12.

Captain Mahmudullah came into the crease and looked to stabilize the things alongside Naim.

However being strangled for runs, Naim tried to break the shackle but paid the price as Ravindra had him caught by Tom Blundell for 39.

The situation got worse when another left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel removed Afif Hossain for 3.

But Mahmudullah and Nurul Hasan Sohan put up 32 off 22 to help the side propel past 140 with Sohan being out on the last ball of the innings for 13.

Patel, McChonchie and Bennett scalped one wicket apiece to complement Ravindra.