Bangladesh vs New Zealand, 2nd ODI: Neil Broom, Kane Williamson help hosts seal series 2-0

Despite putting up a par total, New Zealand bagged an easy win against Bangladesh in the second One-Day International (ODI), sealing the three-match series 2-0.

Despite putting up a par total, New Zealand bagged an easy win against Bangladesh in the second One-Day International (ODI), sealing the three-match series 2-0. Bangladesh were under pressure losing the first ODI by a massive 77-run margin. They yet again failed to win the battle of nerves, falling prey to New Zealand’s remarkable bowling performance in the pursuit of 252. It was Neil Broom’s lone effort of an unbeaten 109 that took New Zealand to the total. Bangladesh started off well and got to 105 for 1 after playing 22.5 overs. However, the partnership between Imrul Kayes and Sabbir Rahman was broken, they lost wickets at regular intervals. They ended innings at 184 all-out, losing the match by 67 runs.

New Zealand got their first breakthrough in the eighth over. They got rid of the big gun Tamim Iqbal for 16. Tamim fell for Tim Southee’s delivery after playing a few dot balls and holed out straight to Tom Latham at short-cover, as Bangladesh lost their first with 30 runs on the board. Sabbir Rahman showed character. He put up a crucial partnership with Imrul Kayes. The two brought up 100 for Bangladesh. Sabbir departed soon due to a horrible run-out, scoring 38. Bangladesh then found it hard to put up another partnership after the one between Kayes and Sabbir.

Full Cricket Scorecard, New Zealand vs Bangladesh, 2nd ODI at Christchurch

The entire middle-order batting flopped, with big names like Mahmudullah and Shakib Al Hasan departing for single-digit scores. Mahmudullah went for a predetermined shot, and was beaten by Lockie Ferguson’s length ball, while Shakib fell for an ordinary delivery by Kane Williamson, failing to time his shot with conviction.

Kane Williamson’s spell was the game-changer for New Zealand. The skipper contributed with the ball this time. He removed Mosaddek Hossain, who had scored an unbeaten 50 in the previous game, for 3. Kayes, who kept on searching a partner after Sabbir, departed for 59. Debutant Tanvir Hayder also had put up a disappointing show, adding only a couple of runs. Skipper Mashrafe Mortaza and Nurul Hasan tried to stitch a big partnership but failed to continue. Though Nurul’s 24 and Mortaza’s 17 could hardly make up for the damage that had already been done, their partnership showed the intent to win. Bangladesh’s innings came to an end with 184 runs on the board, handing the hosts a 67-run victory after an unimpressive batting display.

Trent Boult and Tim Southee were in their usual colour, bagging a couple of wickets maintaining good economy. Lockie Ferguson touched the 144-kmph mark showing genuine pace. Both Mitchell Santner and Ferguson bagged a wicket each, while it was Williamson’s 3 for 22 that saved them the match.

Earlier, New Zealand were ordinary with the batas well. The Bangladesh bowlers got rid of the heavy top-order within 14 overs, reducing New Zealand to 47 for 3. Broom turned to be the saviour for the hosts, scoring an unbeaten 109 in his comeback. He hit 8 fours and 3 sixes, as he scored his maiden century of his career, after playing 22 ODIs. The innings was commendable, for he held his nerves and kept batting despite losing partners at the other end. The second highest run-getter of the innings was Luke Ronchi with his 35 runs. Five of the Kiwi batsmen, including Martin Guptill and Colin Munro had departed for single-digit scores and only two batsmen could go past the 30-run mark.

Bangladesh’s bowling was impressive. They managed to restrict the hosts at what seemed like a gettable total then. Mashrafe Mortaza, after a wicketless first match, made a strong comeback bagging 3 wickets. Shakib and Taskin Ahmed got 2 wickets each, while Mosaddek Hossain and debutant Subhasis Roy picked up one wicket each.

Bangladesh failed to back their good bowling with good batting, giving away what could have been a comfortable victory to level the series. Though they have lost the series already, the last ODI will be their chance to get their flaws corrected and end the ODI series on a positive note to head to the Twenty20 International (T20I) series with some confidence.

Brief scores:

New Zealand 251 in 50 overs (Neil Broom 109*, Luke Ronchi 35; Mashrafe Mortaza 3 for 49) beat Bangladesh 184 (Imrul Kayes 59, Sabbir Rahman 38; Trent Boult 2 for 26, Tim Southee 2 for 33, Kane Williamson 3 for 22) by 67 runs

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