New Zealand win second ODI, series against Bangladesh

Dunedin (New Zealand), Feb.8 (ANI): New Zealand beat Bangladesh in the second one-day international at the University Oval here by five wickets, thanks to a blistering knock of 78 by middle-order batsman Ross Taylor.

Replying to Bangaldesh's total of 183 for 8, New Zealand scored 185 for 5 and sealed a series win.

Monday's win was sealed in the first half of the day by New Zealand's bowling attack.

A familiar Bangladesh collapse at the top saw the home team take a firm grip on proceedings following an excellent new ball spell from Andy McKay, who was supported well by Daryl Tuffey and Ian Butler in the first 15 overs.

The New Zealand seamers ripped apart a spineless Bangladesh top order that capitulated to 25 for 5 and then 46 for 6, before Mushfiqur and Naeem Islam combined to bring up a record seventh-wicket stand that gave the scoreline some respectability.

McKay, in just his second appearance for New Zealand, bowled an immaculate line, occasionally extracting swing and bounce from the Dunedin track, nicking out Tamim Iqbal with a short riser and knocking out Shakib Al Hasan's middle stump to end with the impressive figures of 17 for 2 from his ten overs.

Tuffey did well to hold onto a sharp chance off his own bowling to dismiss the out of form Mohammad Ashraful in the ninth over, who toiled for 18 balls for just one run. Butler too picked up a wicket in the Powerplay overs, with Aftab Ahmed caught behind playing a loose cut shot on just 10.

Extremely poor running between the wickets compounded the problem for Bangladesh, with Imrul Kayes and Mahmudullah being found short of their ground after being sent back by their partners. Bangladesh were left in tatters in the 23rd over as Mahmudullah departed, with the total on 46 for 6.

Mushfiqur and Naeem played intelligently, cautiously keeping the good deliveries out and picking ffer to get Bangladesh to a position from which they could attack in final ten overs.

Taylor hammered 78 of 56-balls, an innings that included five massive legside sixes and six fours. He was caught in the deep attempting to end the chase with a maximum over square leg. (ANI)