Lea Tahuhu stars as New Zealand wrap up T20I series

New Zealand whitewashed the series against Bangladesh with a comprehensive win in the third T20I in Queenstown on Wednesday (December 7). The visitors showcased an improved performance rocking the White Ferns batters, however, were outclassed in their chase by Lea Tahuhu's fine bowling display.

Opting to bat first, Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates led the White Ferns to a solid start with a flurry of boundaries. In the third over, Nahida Akhter bowled consecutive dot balls, tempting Suzie Bates to go for a slog, eventually giving away her wicket. 

Rebecca Burns, playing only her second match, partnered with Sophie Devine and tried to escape pressure by muscling the ball into the gaps. Bangladesh fielders were quick on their feet and during one such attempt, Nahida Akhter ran out the new batter. 

With two wickets lost, skipper Sophie Devine steadied the ship scoring 47 runs off 33 balls. Post her dismissal, she was replaced by in-form batter Maddie Green. She tried to form a crucial partnership with Amelia Kerr but lost her wicket to a full and straight delivery from Salma Khatun. 

Lea Tahuha (17) tried to provide the final flourishes with a couple of sixes. However, it was Kerr who led her side to breach the 150 mark with her delicate play at the end of the innings.

During the chase, Bangladesh found it difficult to score in the windy conditions. Tahuhu provided the first breakthrough trapping Murshida Khatun before the stumps. Fargana Hoque, looking to free her arms, gave a simple catch to midwicket. Tahuhu grabbed her third wicket in the form of Sharmin Akhter through disciplined line and length. 

Rumana Ahmed showed intent, hitting a maximum and a boundary. After playing a handy knock of 25 runs, she too was dismissed by Eden Carson. The New Zealand spinners worked in tandem to take the wickets of lower-order batters and Bangladesh fell well short of the total. 

For New Zealand, Lea Tahuhu extended her wickets tally taking a 4-fer and grabbing the Player of the Series award. 

Brief Scores: New Zealand 152/7 in 20 overs (Amelia Kerr 48*, Sophie Devine 45, Fariha Trisna 1/19) beat Bangladesh 89/7 in 20 overs (Rumana Ahmed 25, Lea Tahuhu 3/13, Eden Carson 2/19) by 63 runs. POTM: Amelia Kerr. POTS: Lea Tahuhu