Guptill hits form as Black Caps thrash B’desh in 1st ODI

NAPIER: Martin Guptill returned to form with an unbeaten century as New Zealand powered to an eight-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first One-day International here on Wednesday.

Bangladesh set New Zealand a modest run chase of 233 after suffering an early collapse and the Black Caps overhauled it in 44.3 overs, finishing at 233/2.

It is Bangladesh’s fifth tour to New Zealand and they are yet to win a match in any format with their next chance coming in the second ODI in Christchurch on Saturday. Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza said his team were adjusting to New Zealand conditions and still hoped of a breakthrough victory. “We bowled well but we were struggling batting. We just lost too many wickets early,” he said.

Guptill and Henry Nicholls pressed their case to open the batting at the World Cup as New Zealand made light work of the target. Guptill, returning from injury, put a poor run of scores behind him with a commanding 117 not out.

Brief scores: Bangladesh 232 all out in 48.5 overs (M Mithun 62; T Boult 3/40, M Santner 3/45) lost to New Zealand 233/2 in 44.3 overs (M Guptill 117*, H Nicholls 53).