New Zealand Levels T20 Series Against Bangladesh Following Jacobs' Unbeaten 53

Bevon Jacobs scored an unbeaten 53 to secure a six-wicket victory for New Zealand against Bangladesh in a rain-shortened Twenty20 International on Saturday, drawing the three-match series 1-1.

Chasing a target of 103 in a match reduced to 15 overs per side, New Zealand reached 104 for four in 11.4 overs. Jacobs struck five sixes and two boundaries off 23 deliveries, anchoring an unbroken partnership with Dean Foxcroft, who scored 15 not out, to recover the innings following an early collapse.

The visitors initially faltered in their chase, dropping to 33 for four inside the first five overs. Bangladesh fast bowler Shoriful Islam took three quick wickets for 19 runs, dismissing Katene Clarke, Dane Cleaver, and opener Tim Robinson, who had contributed a rapid 23 runs off 14 balls.

Earlier, Bangladesh was bowled out for 102 in 14.2 overs after a nearly two-hour rain delay disrupted their innings. The hosts were 50 for three in the seventh over when play halted. Upon resumption, Bangladesh lost their final six wickets for just 26 runs in 25 deliveries. Litton Das was the top scorer for the hosts with 25 runs.

Josh Clarkson led the New Zealand attack after the rain delay, taking three wickets for nine runs, while Ben Sears claimed two for 12. Fast bowler Nathan Smith caused the initial top-order damage prior to the stoppage, dismissing Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon in the fifth over to finish with two for 14.

The victory tied the T20I series after Bangladesh won the opening match in Chattogram and the second fixture was abandoned due to rain. Bangladesh previously secured the corresponding one-day international series against the tourists.