The 2nd ODI between Bangladesh vs New Zealand was played at the Nelson, Saxton Oval, where the hosts sealed the series with an emphatic win. They take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 3-match series. New Zealand had won the first ODI in a rain-affected match, a 30-over game at Dunedin, by 44 runs.
Challenges in playing conditions in New Zealand
All the cricketing nations find it challenging to play in New Zealand. The pitch and the seaming conditions are difficult to handle, especially for Asian batters. It is the same with spin bowlers. Asian pitches are conducive for spin, which is unheard of in New Zealand grounds.
Bangladesh has a poor record in New Zealand. Of the 17 ODIs played between Bangladesh vs New Zealand, they have yet to register a win. One hopes they break the jinx this time. On the other hand, New Zealand has an enviable record at the Saxton Oval. Out of the eight matches they played at the venue, they have won 6 times and lost one, with no result in one match.
Undoubtedly, New Zealand are a tough team to beat at home. Bangladesh has been trying hard to open its account in New Zealand. It seems they have to wait a bit longer.
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
Earlier, teams preferred to bowl first as the seaming conditions favor the bowlers. Batters are required to apply themselves and focus on the line and length of the bowler. Batters tend to take their time in settling down before trying big shots. Over the years, it has allowed batters to play their shots early with an average first-innings score of 275. The temperature is 23 degrees Celsius, with a high humidity of close to 45%.
New Zealand bowlers dominate the first ten overs
It was expected for New Zealand to put the visitors to bat first after winning the toss. Teams chasing have won seven out of the ten matches played at the Saxton Oval. Bangladesh had a poor start in the first ten overs, losing three wickets with a score of 44.
Bangladesh fights back
The revival of Bangladesh came with a strong partnership between the veteran Mushfiqur Rahim and opener Soumya Sarkar, who put together 90 runs in 18 overs in the middle stage of the innings. The Bangladeshi batters found it difficult to last due to the disciplined bowling performance of NZ bowlers.
Soumya Sarkar and Mushfiqur Rahim are top scores
Soumya Sarkar anchored the innings and showed his domination on the NZ bowlers by making a colossal 169 in 51 balls with 22 hits to the boundary and a couple of hits over the fence. Mushfiqur Rahim showed great application and dug in his heels for a disciplined 45 of 57 balls to help Bangladesh reach a respectable total of 291.
Duffy and Rourke are the pick of the bowlers.
Bangladesh batters seemed clueless against the swing of both the bowlers. Jacob Duffy took 3 for 51 in his ten overs, and Will O’Rourke matched his bowling compatriot with 3-47. New Zealand did a great job of restricting Bangladesh to 291 after a period that saw Sarkar and Rahim looking in imperious touch. At the 30-over mark, 350 seemed achievable.
Good start by New Zealand batsmen
The opening pair gave a great start to NZ’s innings. Will Young crafted a perfect knock to score 89 in 94 balls. His innings highlighted the best way to play in New Zealand. There was a cautious start defending the swinging balls and taking singles with an intent to punish the loose balls whenever the opportunity arose.
Rachin Ravindra celebrated his selection to the IPL by blazing out all guns with a 33-ball knock of 45. The first 11 overs yielded 76 runs in the opening partnership.
NZ top-order batters carry on the excellent work.
Henry Nicolls left his mark in the series with a well-made 95 in 99 balls. He was unfortunate to miss out on his 2nd ODI century. His innings displayed composure, focus, and redemption for the duck he scored in the first ODI.
Skipper finishes the job.
Tom Latham kept his cool and guided the team to victory, scoring a breezy 34 in just 32 balls. He is well-supported by Tom Blundell, with 24 runs in 20 balls.
New Zealand completed the chase in the 47th over to win the series.