In a historic moment for New Zealand cricket, leg-spinner Ish Sodhi has officially become the country's all-time leading wicket-taker in T20 Internationals. The milestone came during the third T20I against Bangladesh in Dhaka, where Sodhi claimed his 165th scalp, surpassing the previous record held by pace veteran Tim Southee.
The stage was set at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, where rain reduced the match to a 15-over contest. Sodhi's record-breaking moment arrived when he dismissed Shamim Hossain, adding another chapter to his impressive T20I career. He finished the match with figures of 1/22 from three overs, continuing to prove why he's considered one of New Zealand's finest T20 bowlers.
Bangladesh's innings never quite found its rhythm, as they were bowled out for just 102 runs in 14.2 overs. Captain Litton Das provided some early fireworks with a quickfire 26 off 17 balls, while Towhid Hridoy anchored the innings with a top score of 33 from 24 deliveries. However, wickets tumbled at regular intervals, preventing any substantial partnerships from forming.
New Zealand's bowling attack delivered a masterclass in discipline. Josh Clarkson was the pick of the bowlers, claiming an impressive 3/9 from his two overs. Nathan Smith and Ben Sears also made valuable contributions, picking up two wickets each to keep the pressure on the Bangladeshi batters.
With the series hanging in the balance at 1-0 in favor of Bangladesh (the second match was washed out), the Blackcaps needed a strong response. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals during their chase, New Zealand showed composure and class, reaching the target of 103 in just 11.4 overs. The six-wicket victory not only leveled the series 1-1 but also showcased the team's depth and resilience.
For cricket fans and apparel enthusiasts alike, this match was a reminder of the drama and excitement that T20 cricket delivers. Whether you're celebrating Sodhi's historic achievement or simply enjoying the thrill of a close series, moments like these make the shortest format of the game truly special.