Photo: Bangladesh Cricket Facebook page

DHAKA, April 23, 2026 (BSS)-After 20 innings and a wait of 25 months, Najmul 
Hossain Shanto finally found his moment of redemption and it came when 
Bangladesh needed it the most.

At the Bir Shrestha Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in 
Chattogram, Shanto brought up his century with a single off 114 balls. His 
century eventually helped Bangladesh post 265-8 in testing conditions and 
scripted the side's 55-run victory. 

In what was effectively a series-deciding clash against New Zealand, 
Bangladesh found themselves in deep trouble at 32-3. With the stakes high, 
specially with World Cup qualification implications looming, Shanto stepped 
up to anchor the innings.

He rebuilt patiently, taking 70 balls for his first fifty before accelerating 
with a more fluent second half, needing just 44 deliveries for the next 
fifty. His composure and adaptability turned the tide.

Shanto's most crucial contribution came through a superb 160-run partnership 
with Liton Das for the fourth wicket, the second-highest stand by Bangladesh 
against New Zealand.

Liton made a steady 76 off 91 balls before departing, while Shanto carried on 
to score 105 off 119 deliveries.

This century marked a full-circle moment for Shanto. His previous ODI hundred 
had also come at this venue against Sri Lanka in March 2024. With this knock, 
he became only the third Bangladeshi batter to score an ODI century against 
New Zealand at this ground.

Coming into the match, Shanto's form had been under scrutiny. Since losing 
the ODI captaincy last year, despite averaging 51.27 as skipper, his 
performances dipped significantly. Before this game, he had managed just one 
fifty in 14 innings, with his average falling to 18.76.

But when it mattered most, Shanto delivered.