Twitter Reactions: Martin Guptill crushes lacklustre Bangladesh in Napier

A Shakib-Al Hasan-less Bangladesh took the field in the opening ODI against New Zealand at the McLean Park in Napier. The Tigers couldn’t give the hosts a run for their money and lost the game by eight wickets to concede a 1-0 lead to their opponents. Their top order batsmen fell like a pack of cards and the bowlers also looked off colour for a chunk of the Black Caps’ run-chase.

Tigers capitulate

Bangladesh’s decision to bat first backfired on them as they were reduced to 71/5 in the 18th over. Trent Boult struck first blood as he got rid of the dangerous Tamim Iqbal. Matt Henry cleaned up Liton Das for a single. Boult got his second wicket in the form of Mushfiqur Rahim. Soumya Sarkar took the attacking route and scored 30 runs before he gave a simple caught and bowled to Henry.

Sabbir Rahman couldn’t make an impact in his comeback match and fell prey to Mitchell Santner. Mehidy Hasan Miraz showed some resistance and churned out 26 runs. Nevertheless, an 84-run stand between Mohammad Mithun and Mohammad Saifuddin got the Tigers to a respectable score of 232 in 48.5 overs. While Mithun ended his knock on 62 from 90 balls, Saifuddin added 41 from 58.

Guptill takes charge

The run-chase turned out to be a doddle for the Kiwis. Henry Nicholls and Martin Guptill cobbled together a stand of 103 runs from 132 balls to lay the platform. Mehidy Hasan gave Bangladesh the much-needed breakthrough, dismissing Nicholls, who scored 53 from 80 balls with five boundaries. Mahmudullah Riyad picked up Kane Williamson for 11 to pick the second wicket.

That turned out to be the last moment of joy for the visiting team. Guptill and Ross Taylor put their heads down and guided their team over the finishing line with 33 balls to spare. Guptill has been fighting with injuries and lack of form, but today he scored a century off 103 deliveries and remained not out on 117 runs with eight fours and four sixes. Taylor racked up 45 from 49 balls with six fours.

Here is how Twitter reacted

Martin Guptill is such a class act. Measured and consistent.

— Phil Wheeler (@Phil_Wheeler) February 13, 2019

Maybe @BLACKCAPS need to keep giving Martin Guptill a rest? He always comes back better! #NZvBAN

— The Cricketeers (@cricketeersnz) February 13, 2019

Well, NZ did all it could and wiped the floor with a weak Bangladesh.
Hard to get excited about it at all really. But at least this tour might play some players into form #NZvBAN

— Guy Heveldt (@GuyHeveldt) February 13, 2019

Despite that, always love a good Martin Guptill century.

— Guy Heveldt (@GuyHeveldt) February 13, 2019

Martin Guptill finds his form with solid 💯 which assist New Zealand a comprehensive win over Bangladesh in Napier #NZvBAN

— Wide_yorker (@wideyorker) February 13, 2019

For someone who wouldn't make anyone's World XI, Martin Guptill's ODI record is exceptional, particularly given he is and has been part of an historically average side #NZvBAN #Guppers

— Pete Johnston (@Pistolla81) February 13, 2019

100 for Martin Guptill! The opener grabs his 15th career ODI century, as he continues to power the @BLACKCAPS towards victory #NZvBAN

— Radio Sport (@radiosportnz) February 13, 2019

Martin Guptill Ton No. 15th 👏👏👏#NZvBAN @BLACKCAPS Army #BlackcapsArmy pic.twitter.com/Xzq6Vuz3T3

— Fan Of Cricket (@FanOfCricket07) February 13, 2019

Martin Guptill remains criminall underrated.

— Tasneem-Summer Khan (@summeryael) February 13, 2019

👏🏽 SUPERB CENTURY! 👏🏽

Martin Guptill cruises past triple figures, his 15th ODI century off 103 balls.

NZC LIVE CARD | https://t.co/tx0FubEP6n #NZvBAN pic.twitter.com/Bkh4g6vxyi

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 13, 2019

Great to see Martin Guptill back in the runs after a slow International summer #NZvBAN #guptill

— The Leading Edge Cricket Podcast (@LeadingEdgePod) February 13, 2019

In this kind of wicket maybe 300+ was on always. But that 4 wickets in the powerplay harmed us. Needs to negotiate with the early swing & danger of fast bowling carefully in the 2nd ODI. Good luck !!#NZvBAN

— SHAKIB IS HAPPINESS (@Nafiu_Shakibian) February 13, 2019

New Zealand beat Bangladesh by 8 wickets and lead the three match Odi series 1-0. Brilliant performance by the fast bowlers and then a master class knock by Guptill. #NZvBAN

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 13, 2019

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