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The BLACKCAPS’ warm-up campaign for the ICC World Twenty20 got off to a solid start with a win over Bangladesh in an unofficial practice game at Wormsley, near Oxford, England on Tuesday.
Martin Guptill top scored with 61 as the BLACKCAPS chased down a target of 147 – securing the win off the final ball of their 20 overs.
Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat, losing three wickets for 50 runs before a stand of 62 by Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudallah consolidated the innings. Bangladesh finished their 20 overs on 146 for 6.
Best of the New Zealand bowlers was Ian Butler with 2 for 32 from his four overs. The other four wickets were shared among Ian O’Brien, James Franklin, Daniel Vettori and Brendon Diamanti. Vettori, with 1 for 16 off four overs, was the most economical of the BLACKCAPS’ attack.
Guptill and Neil Broom put on 59 for New Zealand’s opening partnership, with Guptill going on to make 61 from 42 deliveries. Peter McGlashan scored a brisk 35 at a run a ball, but two run outs slowed the side’s momentum. With 12 required from the final over it was Nathan McCullum who ensured the win with a six early in the over and two off the final ball.
BLACKCAPS coach Andy Moles said he was delighted to have the squad together and was looking forward to the team's final preparations.
"I was happy with our practice match against Bangladesh which provided the first opportunity for the squad to play together. We're continuing to work on specific areas and know we have to continuously improve our performance as we build to our first match against Scotland."
The BLACKCAPS play their next unofficial warm-up against Ireland at Derby on Thursday (NZ time), followed by practice games against India at Lords on Monday 1 June, and Australia at The Oval the following day.
The team's first official tournament match is against Scotland at The Oval on Saturday 6 June.
