A composed bowling performance and a record setting batting partnership helped the BLACKCAPS to a 3-0 ANZ ODI series victory over Bangladesh.
Top Start
Early on it seemed Bangladesh’s opening pair of Imrul Kayes and Tamim Iqbal had all the answers for any question the BLACKCAPS bowlers could ask. The pair sent the ball to the boundary regularly and while sometimes having to slide into the crease the duo looked assured. However that would all change with a Mitchell Santner wicket. The opening stand broken just after it went over a hundred.
The Brakes come on
The opening stand proved to be the most productive of the innings for Bangladesh as the BLACKCAPS were then able to extract regular wickets and slow their scoring down. Kane Williamson rotated his bowlers and employed spin and pace variations to constrict things. After both openers got scores of 40 plus Bangladesh’s next four batsmen couldn’t get past 20.
Variation at play
Kane Williamson and Mitchell Santner impressed in the 2nd ANZ ODI with their bowling and today they were joined in the spin contingent by the returning Jeetan Patel. The trio were able to bowl well in the conditions and restrict Bangladesh. Most importantly they were also able to take wickets. Both Santner and Patel earning high praise from their captain and coach for their work with the ball.
Conditions watch
Nelson’s famous sun at times threatened to get lost behind clouds but despite periods of light rain play was never interrupted and bright light conditions meant players and spectators weren’t struggling with their view. Meanwhile Bangladesh managed to bat their 50 overs and finish on 236 for 9.
A tough start
The BLACKCAPS found the going tough early in the second innings. Tom Latham fell in just the second over and then the side lost Martin Guptill retired hurt. The big opener having to leave the field with a leg injury sustained taking a run. This left the BLACKCAPS effectively 16 for two and Bangladesh smelling a chance.
Settle in for the long haul
Neil Broom continued his impressive return to the national side as he joined Kane Williamson with the team in a spot of batting bother early. The position didn’t faze Broom however as he combined with Williamson to put on a ODI record second wicket partnership for the BLACKCAPS of 179, bettering a record set by Williamson and Martin Guptill just last season against Pakistan.
Captain’s charge
Kane Williamson led from the front for the BLACKCAPS as he adjusted to the batting conditions coming in early. The captain calmly built his innings as he enjoyed his work with Neil Broom. Williamson showed off his full variety of shots as he scored around the ground off Bangladesh’s attack. Showing his composed nature he was able to safely guide his side to victory alongside Jimmy Neesham.
3-0
After completing the ANZ ODI series 3-0 across games in Christchurch and Nelson the BLACKCAPS now head to Napier to start 2017 with the three ANZ Twenty20 internationals against Bangladesh starting in Napier.
