Dhaka, April 27 (V7N) — Middle-order batter Towhid Hridoy struck a sublime half-century to guide Bangladesh to a six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the opening T20 International, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead in the three-match series at Bir Shrestha Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium today.  

Chasing 183, Bangladesh reached 183-4 in 18 overs, riding on Hridoy’s unbeaten 51 off 27 balls. He hit two fours and three sixes, sharing a 57-run stand with Parvez Hossain Emon (28 off 14) and an unbroken 49-run partnership with Shamim Patwari (31 not out off 13) to seal the win.  

Earlier, New Zealand posted 182-6, built around identical 51s from Dane Cleaver and Katene Clarke, who added 88 for the second wicket. Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain was Bangladesh’s standout bowler, removing both set batters in consecutive overs to finish with 2-32.  

New Zealand’s Ish Sodhi claimed 2-40, briefly raising hopes when Bangladesh slipped to 77-3 in the 11th over. But Hridoy’s counterattack steadied the chase.  

Stand-in captain Nick Kelly and Josh Clarkson (27 not out off 14) added late runs for the visitors, but their total proved insufficient against Bangladesh’s composed batting display.  

The win gives Bangladesh early momentum in the series, with two matches remaining.  

END/AJ/RH