Napier, Wednesday: Martin Guptill returned to form with an unbeaten century as New Zealand powered to an eight-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first one-day international in Napier on Wednesday.
Bangladesh set New Zealand a modest run chase of 233 after suffering an early collapse and the Black Caps overhauled it in 44.3 overs, finishing at 233 for two.
It is Bangladesh’s fifth tour to New Zealand and they are yet to win a match in any format, with their next chance coming in the second ODI in Christchurch on Saturday.
Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza said his team were adjusting to New Zealand conditions and still hoped of a breakthrough victory.
“We bowled well but we were struggling batting. We just lost too many wickets early,” he said.
Guptill and Henry Nicholls pressed their case to open the batting at the World Cup as New Zealand made light work of the target.
Guptill, returning from injury, put a poor run of scores behind him with a commanding 117 not out.
He had been averaging less than 10 since his last international innings of note, a big-hitting 138 against Sri Lanka in early January.
Guptill’s effort against Bangladesh was more controlled, with the batsman under no pressure and content to pick off loose deliveries.
His 15th ODI century came off 103 balls and included six fours and three sixes.
“Martin was brilliant, a fantastic hundred, and the contributions (from teammates) around that were really good as well,” Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson said.
Nicholls looked comfortable in just his third outing since being promoted up the order, scoring 53 before a tame dismissal when the ball hit his pad and rolled onto the stumps. AFP
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