New Zealand v Bangladesh, 2nd ODI – 5 Talking Points

New Zealand sealed the three-match series with a satisfying win over Bangladesh in the second ODI at the Saxton Oval, Nelson. The tourist after being asked to chase 252 runs to level the series suffered a dramatic collapse mid-way through the chase and eventually tumbled for just 184 in 42.4 overs to give an incontestable 2-0 lead to the hosts.

After electing to bowl first, Bangladesh did a highly appreciable job with the ball to restrict New Zealand for just 251 in the first innings. The score would have been even less had Neil Broom, the 33-year-old batsman, not batted on and play a saving knock of 109*. Broom’s maiden ODI hundred, however, could not overshadow the collective bowling effort of the Bangladesh who left Broom devoid of any stable partner.

Bangladesh began their response on a good note and was on the course of completing a chase despite losing their three wickets in 25 overs. However, New Zealand then pulled themselves back into the game and triggered a collapse which won then the match.

1.Mashrafe’s perfect start:

Skipper Mashrafe proved his decision to bowl first correct almost instantly when he gave Bangladesh their first breakthrough in the very first over of the innings itself.

Opener Martin Guptill, who first survived a big appeal for leg-before off the third ball of the match which Bangladesh reviewed and lost it, gave away his wicket off the next delivery which was almost similar to the first one which Guptill survived.

The delivery pitched and hit the New Zealand opener on the pads again. Umpire Paul Reiffel raised his finger immediately and Guptill also didn’t make the mistake of taking a review.

2. Neil Broom sweeps away Bangladesh:

New Zealand Broom never had any batsman who occupied the crease for an prolonged period of time except Neil Broom. With wickets falling at the other end on regular interval, Broom used all his first class experience and played a saving knock to help the hosts post a respectable total which his bowler could defend later on.

The right-handed all-rounder had to come in a sticky situation when the hosts had already lost Guptill and Kane Williamson and became the backbone of the innings with his calm batting. Apart from Jimmy Neesham and Luke Ronchi, no one could provide him any real support from the other end. The Bangladeshis kept picking wickets at regular intervals to dent the momentum. Broom, however, looked defiant and rallied ahead to get his maiden ODI century.

3. Superb start to the chase and hara-kiri:

The target of 252 isn’t intimidating on most occasions. Bangladesh knew it and got straight to the business. Tamim Iqbal had a false start and was dismissed for just 16 when Bangladesh had 30 runs on the board. But, Imrul Kayes and Sabbir Rahman then forged together and carried forward the chase with a 75 runs stand for the 2nd wicket and lay the platform for the win.

The duo looked in no hurry and cruised ahead with little trouble. Opener Kayes went on to complete his 4 ODI fifty while Rahman was also on the course of doing so when a confusion brought an end to the stand. In the 23rd over by Mitchell Santner, Kayes pushed one and set off for a quick single.

His partner responded initially before turning his back making both the batsman running towards the non-striker’s end. The fielder had it easy and the wicket keeper swiftly knocked off the bails to complete the dismissal. Sabbir thought he was safe while Kayes stood confused, The umpires were clear though and judged Sabbir as out.

Watch: The funniest running between the wickets:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lNVD7igEZA

3. Grand collapse:

After the dramatic breakthrough where Sabbir gifted his wicket, New Zealand bowlers made a stunning comeback and triggered a collapse which saw the visitors lose their last 8 wickets for just 79 runs and surrender the match meekly.

The advantage fell on the hosts’ side as the Bangladeshi middle order fell apart in not time. Shakib al Hasan, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mosaddek Hossain and Tanbir Hayder, all departed for single digit scores. Nurul Hasan and Mashrafe Mortaza tried fighting but to no advantage. Eventually 184 was all that the visitors could manage.

5. Kane Williamson – The bowler:

The main man behind the grand collapse which got the win for New Zealand was a very surprising bowler – Kane Williamson. The skipper after failing with the bat gave himself a chance with the ball by bringing his as the part-timer.

Just after Rahman’s run out, Kayes also fell to Southee and Lockie Ferguson snapped Mahmudullah. After this began the Kane Williamson show. The off-spinner, who was some time back banned for suspect action, snapped 3/22 to end up as the most successful BlackCaps bowler today and play the lead role in the win.