NZ too strong for Bangladesh in second ODI

Guptill makes 2nd consecutive century

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand, Feb 16, (AP): Opener Martin Guptill made a second consecutive century to guide New Zealand to an eight-wicket win over Bangladesh in the second one-day cricket international on Saturday and a 2-0 win in the three-match series.

After carrying his bat for 117 in the first match which New Zealand won by eight wickets, Guptill made 118 as New Zealand – at 229-2 – surpassed Bangladesh’s total of 226 with almost 14 overs remaining.

Guptill’s century on Saturday was the 16th of his career and his third of the summer after his 138 in the first one-day international against Sri Lanka in early January.

Bangladesh were coming off an impressive series victory in the West Indies. But a single warm-up match sent them into the ODI series underprepared and they have struggled to adapt to New Zealand conditions.

New Zealand’s Martin Guptill celebrates after scoring a century during the One Day International cricket match between New Zealand and Bangladesh in Christchurch,

New Zealand, on Feb 16. (AP)

Sent in to bat after losing the toss on Saturday, Bangladesh’s top order struggled on a pitch at Hagley Oval which contained moisture under a tight-packed covering of grass. The ball seamed a little and the Bangladesh batsmen struggled to cope.

Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza hoped his batsmen could survive the threat of the new ball, then hit out later in their innings and set New Zealand a challenging total.

While Bangladesh were reduced to 5-93 in the 21st over after a slow beginning, they began to hit out strongly in the second half of its innings.

Mohammed Mithun, who topscored with 57, put on 75 for the sixth wicket with Sabbir Rahman (43) and at 168-5 in the 35th over, Bangladesh were in a good position to launch. But the lower order faltered and the last five wickets added only 58 runs, with the last wicket falling with two balls to spare.