Patel helps New Zealand stay alive in Bangladesh series

New Zealand's Ajaz Patel ran through Bangladesh's top order with a career-best 4-16 Munir Uz zaman AFP

DHAKA, AFP: Left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel ran through Bangladesh’s top order with a career-best 4-16 as New Zealand clawed their way back into the five-match Twenty20 international series with a 52 run win in Dhaka yesterday.

Bangladesh were bowled out for 76, their second-lowest T20 total, with Patel and Cole McConchie (3-15) bundling out the hosts on a slow wicket at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

Bangladesh were looking to secure their first-ever T20 series triumph over the Blackcaps after winning the first two games.

They got off to a flying start in chase of New Zealand’s modest score of 128-5 when Mohammad Naim blasted Jacob Duffy for two fours in the first over.

But the innings unravelled from there.

McConchie trapped opener Liton Das leg-before for 15 to get the Blackcaps up and running before Patel dismissed Mahedi Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan in the same over.

There was no looking back from there.

All-rounder Rachin Ravindra bowled Naim before Patel dismissed skipper Mahmudullah Riyad and Afif Hossain off consecutive balls to leave Bangladesh reeling at 43-6.

Mushfiqur Rahim tried to salvage the chase but was left standing alone on 20 after Colin de Grandhomme picked up the final wicket.The fourth match of the series will be held on Wednesday.