Friendly Toss 
Given the importance of a strong start to the series, little things like the toss going your way can be very handy. Mr Williamson’s toss record so far leaves a little to be desired, but the flip of the coin was kind to the BLACKCAPS skipper on this occasion. “We’ll have a bat."
In the balance
A couple of lusty blows from Martin Guptill stirred Hagley into life early in the innings, but it was an even start between the two sides. Guptill (15), Williamson (31) and Neil Broom (22) all made starts, but at 158-4 Bangladesh were sniffing a target under 300.
The making of the game
Latham and Munro haven’t batted together often, but became very familiar during their 18 over stay at the crease and partnership of 158. Getting the BLACKCAPS beyond 300 with wickets to play with at the end changed the game and went a long way to securing the hosts a victory first up.
Hometown hero
Hard to think of a more appropriate player to make the first BLACKCAP ODI century at Hagley than Tom Latham and whats more, he did it in super style. His 137 run knock off 121 balls had all of the technically perfect strokes Latham is renowned for, but also featured some brutal blows in the dying stages. Seven fours and four sixes later, Latham had his highest ODI score.
First comes pressure
Bangladesh resisted the new ball up front, reaching 34-0 before Jimmy Neesham broke the shackles in the eighth over. The BLACKCAPS had done well though, stopping the powerful Tamim Iqbal from getting his side off to a flyer and pushing an already high required run-rate up even higher.
Then come poles
Wouldn’t say they came in clusters, but they did come. Whenever a Bangladesh partnership started to look dangerous, the BLACKCAPS found a way to break through. Neesham’s double wicket maiden in the 12th over was the most important moment in the innings.
Tigers push
Despite losing regular wickets, Bangladesh showed plenty of character in their pursuit and fought to the end. Shakib al Hasan (59), Mushfiqur Rahim (42 - retired hurt) and Mosaddek Hossain (50) all made contributions and they’ll certainly take something out of the resilience they showed.
Big tick
Great performance with the bat, solid with the ball and up 1-0. Chance to claim the series in Nelson on Wednesday.
