New Zealand ODI captain Tom Latham believes their "lack of partnerships" cost them in the final game of their series with Bangladesh.

Bangladesh won by 55 runs on Thursday, clinching a 2-1 series victory on home soil despite losing the opening match.

The Black Caps opened the three-match series with a 26-run victory in Dhaka, though struggled with the bat in the second game as Bangladesh responded with a six-wicket win.

New Zealand's batting struggles continued in Chattogram, where they were bowled out for 210 in their chase of 266.

Hossain Shanto scored 105 and put on a 160-run partnership with Litton Das, who added 76 off 91 deliveries.

Dean Foxcroft (75) and Nick Kelly (59) reached half-centuries for the tourists, but only their 10th-wicket stand was worth at least 50 runs.

The Black Caps had won their previous four ODI series against India, England, West Indies and Pakistan respectively, but could not get over the line against Bangladesh.

"All credit to Bangladesh. Similar to the second game. As a batting unit, we weren't able to build partnerships," said Latham.

A late surge from Dean Foxcroft isn’t quite enough in Chattogram and Bangladesh take the series 2-1. #BANvNZ |  BCB pic.twitter.com/tTO9IR3PSq

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) April 23, 2026

"We speak about it, having set guys in the last ten overs, but we kept losing wickets in the first 20-25 overs. Puts you on the back foot.

"Full credit to Litton and Shanto. We had managed to find a great length but breaking that partnership was key and we couldn't do that.

"We were happy with the target to achieve but lack of partnerships made it difficult."

New Zealand will now face Bangladesh in a three-match T20I series before a one-off Test against Ireland at the end of May.