Bangladesh vs New Zealand - Quick flicks and takeaways from the game

The first match of the toughest group did not live up to its expectations. Bangladesh just couldn’t cope with the brilliance of McCullum and had to give in to his power striking. The batting didn’t help either as the top four did not make a healthy contribution. On the other hand, Brendon McCullum played an innings of a lifetime, bludgeoning the bowl all around the park. Even miss-hits found the boundary and the Bangladesh bowlers just couldn’t find a way to contain them. Chasing a score of 192 was always going to be a tough ask and with Tamim and Shakib back in the hut without making an impact, Bangladesh were always looking down the barrel. There was some late entertainment provided by Nasir Hossain but it was just too late.

Despite New Zealand winning it comfortably, the match had its share of moments and some key takeaways

No one backing up

Bangladesh elected to field after winning the toss and started off well with Mortaza and Shaiful Islam leading the attack and not giving much away. Abdur Razzak then dismissed Guptill and it looked as if the runs would dry up. But the bowlers were not supported by the fielders. In the seventh over, Mortaza shied at the bowlers end but there was no one backing up and the delivery resulted in 5 runs. This triggered the onslaught by the Kiwis.

McCullum at his best

This powerhouse was one on which New Zealand heavily relied and boy did he prove his worth. A cheeky reverse sweep to Mahumudallah for four in the initial stages of his innings showed the confidence he possessed. After that it was raining sixes in Pallekele. No one was spared from the McCullum attack, even Shakib was toyed around with. His 123 from 72 balls against Bangladesh is now the highest score by any batsman in a T20 international. He also became the first man to score two t20 international hundreds.

The Sri Lankan pitches have undergone a makeover

Gone are the days when Sri Lanka was known for its slow sluggish and spinning tracks. It’s all about pace now. The Bangladeshi’s who highly rely on spin could not get any purchase out of the wicket. The wicket actually suited the Kiwis. The bowl was coming on to the bat and there was no vicious turn.

The bowlers just refused to bowl full

Both the Kiwi and the Bangladesh bowlers were on the shorter side last afternoon. The batsmen were given way too much time to punch the ball hard of the backfoot. The top scorers (McCullum and Hossain) of both the teams feasted on the short deliveries bowled by the opposition.

Butter Fingers

Mortaza dropped a fairly easy chance when Mcculum(92) hit the ball straight to him at short extra cover. The dropped catch allowed McCullum to score a century and take New Zealand to a match winning total of 191. Mushfiqur Rahim was also dropped during Bangladesh’s innings. This time Mcculum was on the receiving end. He dropped a regulation catch behind the stumps but thankfully for him, Rahim did not make him pay.

Shakib and Tamim hold the key for Bangladesh

Tamim is a world class opener and on his day can tear apart bowling attacks. Shakib Al Hasan – the best all rounder in the world is a class act with both bat and bowl. Both of them failed to deliver the goods in today’s game. Shakib gave away 40 runs in 4 overs and did not contribute much with the bat. When Bangladesh needed a good start, Tamim fell for a duck and dented any hopes of a miraculous run chase. If Bangladesh want to enter the super eights, these two players will have to fire against Pakistan.

New Zealand won by 59 runs

Man of the Match- Brendon McCullum (123 of 58 balls)