Finally A Win For NZ

The Black Caps finally broke through for a morale boosting victory, defeating a collapsing Bangladesh by six wickets with 44 balls to spare.

On an Eden Park pitch that many experts were predicting a 300+ total, it was surprising that New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori inserted the opposition after winning the toss.

Despite the loss of two early wickets (39-2), Bangladesh continued to attack, bringing up their century in the 21st over. Led by Tamim Iqbal (50 from 66) and Captain Mohammad Ashraful 70 from 57), the visitors threatened to post a huge score.

Unfortunately for Bangladesh Jacob Oram claimed both batsman in quick succession and suddenly Bangladesh collapsed, although collapse might be too nice; imploded would be a more apt description as they tumbled from 150-2 from 28 overs to a precarious 177-9, before scrambling 201 all out after 46.3 overs.

The Kiwi bowling and fielding was of a high order all day, with Oram, Kyle Mills and Mark Gillespie all claiming three wickets a piece.

New Zealand started off in fine form with Wicket Keeper come opening batsman Brendan McCullum smashing a quick fire 40 including two sixes before being caught and bowled by Farhad Reza (90-1).

The dismissal made little difference to the All Black momentum as opening batsman Jamie How 92, Peter Fulton 35 and an unbeaten 22* by Scott Styris rushed New Zealand to an easy victory.

Bangladesh 201
Mohammad Ashraful 70, Tamim Iqbal 50

Mark Gillespie 3-27, Jacob Oram 3-36, Kyle Mills 3-46

New Zealand 203-4
Jamie How 92, Brendan McCullam 40
Shakib Al Hasan 3-57

Cricket Web Man of The Match = Jamie How