BLACKCAPS captain Daniel Vettori was pleased to get back to winning ways in the opening National Bank ODI against Bangladesh at Eden Park.
The hosts enjoyed a six-wicket win in the Boxing Day match in Auckland, courtesy of a solid top order effort highlighted by Jamie How’s 88 and a solid performance in the field.
“It was a long time coming,” said the skipper. “We came to this game confident, although you never take it for granted, and I’m just happy with the performance.
“I think we wanted to win comprehensively, but we had to understand that there are guys who are going through a bit of tough patch and needed to build an innings.
“We were a little bit slow, but overall we’re pretty pleased with the innings and the way Scott Styris finished it off was particularly satisfying, and Jamie How and Peter Fulton took it on with a big partnership.
“I know there’s an expectation for us to go out and win these games, and we want to out there and play well and play games that justify us as a team and carry it on for the rest of the summer.”
How outscored Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful, but the Tigers captain’s 70 from 57 deliveries was perhaps the more eye-catching and cavalier effort.
“Our openers gave us a good start and myself and Tamim (Iqbal) had a good partnership of 97,” he said.
“Our bowlers bowled well but on this kind of wicket, we needed 50 more runs, I think.”
The BLACKCAPS can complete a series victory in the second National Bank ODI of the three-match contest in Napier on Friday.
to listen/download the post-match press conference, featuring Daniel Vettori and Jamie How.
