Bangladesh secured a record-breaking six-wicket victory against New Zealand in the first T20 International of the three-match series in Chattogram.

Chasing a challenging target of 183, the hosts overcame a sluggish start to pull off their highest-ever successful run chase against the Kiwis, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.

The win marks a milestone for Tigers’ side, as it surpassed Bangladesh’s previous best chase of 135 runs against New Zealand. While the Tigers’ overall record remains the 215-run chase against Sri Lanka in 2018, this victory represents a significant tactical shift for the team under pressure.

The chase began under a cloud of uncertainty as openers Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan Tamim struggled to find momentum against the Kiwi bowling attack. The partnership yielded 41 runs before Saif was dismissed for 17. Tanzid followed shortly after with 20 runs off 25 balls, and captain Litton Das contributed a brisk 21 before falling.

At 77 for 3 in the 11th over, the match appeared to be slipping away from the hosts before two crucial middle-order partnerships stabilized the innings and guided Bangladesh to the finish line.

Earlier, Litton Das won the toss and elected to field. New Zealand’s innings started poorly with opener Tim Robinson falling for a run-out in the second over.

However, Katene Clarke and Dane Cleaver revived the visitors with an explosive 88-run second-wicket stand. Both batters scored exactly 51 runs before being dismissed, helping New Zealand cross the 100-run mark in just 10 overs.

The momentum shifted when the Bangladesh bowlers, led by Rishad Hossain, tightened their grip in the death overs. New Zealand’s scoring rate dipped significantly, adding only 30 runs between overs 11 and 15 while losing quick wickets. Captain Nick Kelly provided a late flourish with 39 runs, while Josh Clarkson added 30, taking the total to 182.

Rishad Hossain was the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh, claiming two wickets, while Shoriful Islam and two others took one wicket each.

The two teams will meet again for the second match as Bangladesh looks to seal the series on home soil.