New Zealand whitewash Banglas
Feb 11 2010 - 10:39:31
New Zealand completed their whitewash of Bangladesh in the one-day series with a three-wicket victory at AMI Stadium in Christchurch.
Having enjoyed easy wins in the previous two matches, the hosts this time were made to work for their victory after Bangladesh set them a reasonable target of 242.
But Martin Guptill hit a run-a-ball 91 to reassert the hosts' dominance after Imrul Kayes had struck his first century for Bangladesh.
New Zealand showed improvement in their death bowling to restrict Bangladesh to 241 for nine after the visitors were 191 for four heading into the final 10 overs.
But what should have been a relatively straightforward run chase produced something of a nervy climax as New Zealand went from a comfortable 195 for five to 210 for seven in the space of three overs, still requiring 32 runs to win, albeit with more than 10 overs in which to do it.
It was two quick wickets by all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who finished with four for 33 from his 10 overs, that gave Bangladesh some hope.
First he enticed Guptill to hole out nine runs short of his second one-day century, then he bowled Neil Broom (18) before taking a smart catch to end Jacob Oram's stay.
But James Franklin (19 not out) - with the aid of a runner because of a bruised heel - and Ian Butler (13no) got the home side across the line with 31 balls to spare.