Martin Guptill's second successive century guided New Zealand to seal the ODI series as the host beat Bangladesh in the second ODI by 8 wickets at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday (Feb 16).
New Zealand was able to restrict Bangladesh to a total of 226 after the Bangladeshi top-order faltered yet again. Guptill scored a 88-ball 118, putting on a 143-run second wicket stand with Kane Williamson (65*) as the home team took only 36.1 overs to reach the target and extend their unbeaten streak against Bangladesh at home to 12 ODIs, reports cricbuzz.
Bangladesh tried seven bowling options but nothing worked for them as Guptill and Williamson were largely untroubled during their partnership. It was a little too late for Bangladesh when Guptill was dismissed, falling in his attempt to pull a Mustafizur delivery over the fence. Williamson registered his 37th ODI fifty soon after, and along with Taylor added 41 runs to guide New Zealand to a comfortable win.
Earlier, with overcast conditions and swing on offer, it was imperative for Bangladesh that their batsmen displayed proper application to negate the early threat from the bowlers after New Zealand opted to bowl. The visitors, though, were in early trouble again as they lost their openers on either side of a rain interruption. Liton Das paid for his ambitious attempt to hit a Trent Boult delivery over the top while Tamim fell for a 28-ball 5 after being trapped in front by Matt Henry.
Mushfiqur Rahim, playing his 200th ODI, had a early reprieve when he was put down by Todd Astle. He assisted Soumya Sarkar in rebuilding the innings for Bangladesh. But the recovery was short-lived as Sarkar was sucked into a drive by Colin de Grandhomme, with the resultant outside edge landing in the hands of Ross Taylor at slip. Taylor, however, had an average day in the field, dropping Rahim and Mohammad Mithun off Lockie Ferguson. The bowler finally got his break when Rahim chopped one on to the stumps, which was followed by the departure of Mahmudullah.
The onus was on Mithun to lead Bangladesh's fightback and the No. 5 did not disappoint, bringing up his second successive fifty. With Sabbir Rahman providing solid support from the other end, a well-paced stand for the sixth wicket came a much-needed aid for Bangladesh but the visitors lost their way again after Mithun was bowled by an Astle delivery that skidded through. Having lost their first five wickets for only 93 runs, Bangladesh lost their last five for 58, with the 75-run stand for the sixth wicket only providing a momentary respite.
Brief score:
Bangladesh – 226 for all in 49.4 overs, Mithun 57, Sabbir 43, Mushfiq 24, Soumya 22, Ferguson 3/43 , Neesham 2/21, and Astle 2/52
New Zealand – 229 for 2 in 36.1 overs, Guptill 118, Williamson 65 (n.o), Taylor 21 (n.o), Mustafizur 2/42.
