A twist in the tale led Bangladesh to an edgy moment but eventually, they held on their nerves to win the second match of the five-match T20I series against New Zealand by four runs at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today. 

Mustafizur Rahman, known as one of the most unwavering T20 bowlers around the world, bowled a waist-high no that brought the equation down to Kiwis needing eight from the final two deliveries with the penultimate delivery being a free-hit. 

The 25-year-old bowler, however, kept his nerve and gave away just three runs in the final two deliveries as Bangladesh restricted New Zealand to 137 for five with Kiwis' stand-in skipper Tom Latham left stranded at 65 not out off 49 deliveries. 

Bangladesh skipper Mahmudullah Riyad, who was adjudged the player of the match, said he had faith in Mustafizur.

Photo: Firoz Ahmed

"Mustafizur held his nerve well and we went really close. It was unusual, but I had quite a bit of confidence in Mustafizur," Mahumudullah said during the presentation ceremony. 

Registering his 12th T20I victory as a captain, Mahmudullah was once again content with his bowling department and maintaining the winning streak.

"Mahedi has been bowling really well with the new ball and the wicket got better. We are happy to continue with this streak" he added. 

Meanwhile, New Zealand skipper Tom Latham, with his relentless exhibition till the last over with the bat, praised his teammates who showed an enhanced batting performance than the previous game in which they were bundled out for their joint-lowest T20I score of 60. 

Photo: Firoz Ahmed

"We probably weren't there as we would have liked, but I thought 130-140 was a competitive score. My role is to try to bat through the innings and other guys to be slightly more explosive...to take it to the last over I was really proud of the guys to change it around." Latham said.

However, the Kiwis' stand-in skipper acknowledged how a better condition of wicket could have impacted the game differently.

"I thought we learnt from the last game and to take it down to the last over with a chance of winning was outstanding. Yeah, I think a better surface makes for a better game and that was the case. Rachin bowled well and did a really good job," the skipper added.