New Zealand Wrap Up Series With Phenomenal Victory In 2nd ODI Over Bangladesh
Dec 29, 2016 at 11:38 AM
It was a typical batting performance from Bangladesh, as the visitors capitulated from being at 105-1 to losing 7 with 141 on board. In pursuit of a moderate 252 for victory, this was perhaps Bangladesh’s best chance to keep the series alive and garner interest in the final game. But a dismal batting performance from the Tigers meant that the series is all but over right after the second game as Kane Williamson’s New Zealand sealed the game by 67 runs to take an unassailable lead of 2-0.
Bangladesh got off to a dream start, as after electing to bowl first, skipper Mashrafe Mortaza got rid of the dangerous Martin Guptill right on the fourth ball of the innings for a duck. For Kane Williamson, it was yet another difficult outing with the bat as he struggled to get going and was eventually dismissed for an agonizing 14 off 35 deliveries.
The only sizeable contribution from New Zealand’s end came from Neil Broom, as the middle order batsman scored a resilient ton to drive his team out of dire straits. Wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi played a crucial knock of 35 as well lower down the order, ensuring that the Kiwis got to a competitive total. Skipper Mashrafe Mortaza was the pick of the bowlers, as he picked up three wickets for 49 runs in his spell. All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan too was in the thick of things with two wickets for 45 runs.
All Bangladesh needed to do was get off to a good start, which they got courtesy of Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes. While Iqbal couldn’t convert his score into a half century, Kayes looked good for his knock of 59 runs. Kayes found able support in Sabbir Rahman, who made 38 batting at number three.
An absolute brain-freeze moment between Rahman and Kayes occurred as the right-handed Rahman was run out, handing New Zealand the momentum back. From there on, the visitors nosedived in no time as pacer Lockie Ferguson soon cleaned up Mahmudullah.
Known for making a mess of things, Bangladesh were guilty of the same today, as the middle order collapsed to the part-time spin of Kane Williamson of all people. The New Zealand skipper took three wickets in the middle including the prized scalp of Shakib Al Hasan to have Bangladesh reeling at 141-7. From there on, it was just a matter of time before the proceedings were wrapped up. Nurul Hasan was the last man to be dismissed as the visitors were bowled out for 184.