New Zealand have set Bangladesh 250 runs to win the third and deciding one-day cricket international after compiling 249 for seven at the Divisional Stadium in Chittagong.
Ross Taylor piloted New Zealand to a challenging target with an impressive 103 off 117 deliveries — his third ODI century.
Taylor struck five boundaries, four sixes and shared in a crucial 125-run stand for the third wicket with Jamie How (73) after New Zealand were in early strife at 13 for two.
How signalled a timely return to form ahead of the two-match test series, which starts in Mirpur on Friday, with his seventh ODI half century from 54 balls.
However, the remainder of the middle order failed to fire and New Zealand, seemingly on course for 280-plus were expertly pegged back during the last 20 overs.
Bangladesh effected an important breakthrough in the 40th over when allrounder Jacob Oram — the cornerstone of New Zealand’s batting during the first two matches — was dismissed for three when he slog swept Shakib Al Hasan to the deep where Tamin Iqbal took a straightforward catch.
Limited overs specialist Scott Styris (12) and Daniel Flynn could not make a meaningful contribution, the latter succumbing to an ill-conceived reverse sweep on five to have New Zealand at 201 for six in the 44th.
Skipper Daniel Vettori and Kyle Mills added a rapid unbeaten 30 after a tiring Taylor miscued a full toss to be caught behind.
Vettori was unbeaten on 19, a lusty swat for six in the final over taking New Zealand to brink of 250. Mills made 18 off a dozen balls.
Bangladesh constructed a solid all round bowling performance, left arm spinner Al Hasan spearheading the effort with two for 41 off 10 overs.
Bangladesh won the series opener in Mirpur by seven wickets on Thursday while New Zealand forced a decider after winning by 75 runs at the same venue on Saturday.
The two-test series starts in Mirpur on Friday.
NZPA
