Kiwis start with convincing win

Jacob Oram’s all-round performance led New Zealand to a comprehensive victory over Bangladesh in the first ODI at Napier.

New Zealand beat Bangladesh by 146 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the 5-ODI series which got underway at Napier today.

The hosts won the toss and elected to bat first on a good looking track but they had to play out the early overs where the ball would move around. The visitors struck first with Brendon McCullum’s wicket in the fourth over after bowling three maidens initially. They inflicted further damage picking up Martin Guptill and the hosts were reduced to 37 at the end of the first Power Play. Ross Taylor and Peter Ingram led the Kiwi fight-back with a 98 run stand for the third wicket but Bangladesh picked up three wickets in quick succession which undid the good work and New Zealand were in trouble with the score on 135/5. Neil Broom and Jacob Oram were at the crease as they entered the Extreme Performance overs and the duo added 123 runs off just 67 balls, helping New Zealand to a massive total of 336, which looked well beyond reach at one stage.

Bangladesh would have been disappointed with their bowling in the death overs but they started brightly in their run chase. Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes shared a 71 run opening stand which gave them some much needed momentum early. But New Zealand did well to build up pressure by drying up the runs and they were rewarded with three wickets before the 25 over mark. The visitors had to go after the bowling with the required rate creeping up with every dot ball and in their efforts they lost two more wickets soon after. The game was well beyond Bangladesh from that point and they were eventually bowled out for 190 in the 44th over.

Jacob Oram was adjudged Man of the Match for his 83 off 40 balls with a Batting Momentum of 205. He also picked up two wickets.