Kane Williamson’s highest Twenty20 score for New Zealand and Lockie Ferguson’s debut figures of 3-32 helped the BLACKCAPS to a 1-0 lead in the ANZ T20 series against Bangladesh.
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Fast four
Early wickets are always key in Twenty20 matches and the BLACKCAPS were able to strike four times in the first six overs to really put pressure on Bangladesh. Henry, Wheeler and Ferguson all tasting early success.
Debut dreams
Ben Wheeler, Lockie Ferguson and Tom Bruce were all on Twenty20 debut for the BLACKCAPS and all were involved in the early action. Wheeler combined with Bruce to claim his first wicket and Lockie Ferguson made a spectacular entrance with two wickets from his first two balls.
Mighty Mahmudullah
Mahmudullah found the ANZ ODI series tough going but sprang to life on this tour in Napier. The number 6 entered the game to face a hat-trick chance that Lockie Ferguson expertly directed at his toes. He was up to the challenge however and then provided the backbone for his side’s innings. His 52 featuring shots all around the ground. Ferguson delivered an excellent slow change up ball to finish the innings.
Slowly slowly Santner
Mitchell Santner showed the importance of quality slow bowling in the T20 game as the tall left arm spinner conceded just 20 runs from his 4 overs. Santner used his pace variations well to limit the Bangladesh batsmen and pick up a wicket. He also showed his calmness in the field as he cooly held a high catch off de Grandhomme’s bowling.
Late wickets 
Just as Bangladesh looked like they were going to try and break the shackles at the end of their innings the BLACKCAPS bowlers were able to make late strikes to keep the run rate down. Wheeler, Santner and Ferguson all claiming key wickets to restrict the visitor’s total to 141.
Tight start
Despite a positive first two overs from the BLACKCAPS, Bangladesh were able to take four wickets between the 3rd and 11th overs to blunt the home side’s efforts. Tom Bruce on debut and Kane Williamson then looked to be righting things before a slip and running mix up saw Bruce having to return to the sheds with the BLACKCAPS idling at 62-4.
Kane control 
BLACKCAPS captain Kane Williamson showed his ability to control an innings as he adapted his scoring rate to lead his side. Williamson started at a quick pace but as wickets fell he held checked his rate and then charged it up again when he partnered with de Grandhomme. During the course of his innings Williamson became the fastest New Zealander to 1000 international Twenty20 runs. The milestone coming in 34 innings. Only Virat Kohli, Alex Hales, Faf du Plessis and Kevin Pietersen have reached the mark faster.
de Grandhomme decider 
Colin de Grandhomme came in with the chase in a difficult spot, but in partnership with Kane Williamson expertly mixed his power with keeping the strike rotating and his side easily in touch with the rate. The big Aucklander hit the winning runs with an impressive cut to the boundary that landed in the stand and took him to his highest international Twenty20 score. de Grandhomme finishing with 41 off 22 balls with three sixes and three fours.
Maiden match
Along with debuts for Tom Bruce, Lockie Ferguson and Ben Wheeler, the match was also McLean Park's debut as an Twenty20 International venue. Umpires Wayne Knights and Shaun Haig were both also standing in their first Twenty20 Internationals.
Next stop Bay Oval 
The BLACKCAPS now take a 1-0 lead to Mount Maunganui’s Bay Oval for the 2nd and 3rd games of the ANZ Twenty20 series on the 6th and 8th.
