Williamson was named Man of the Match for his game-winning knock of 73 not out
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson led by example as he hammered a career-best 73 not out to lead his side to a six-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first Twenty20 International in Napier.
Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza would have been brooding over his decision to bat first as New Zealand’s pace attack tore through their top order with ease to leave them in serious trouble at 30/4 in the sixth over.
Just when they were beginning to rebuild their innings, Colin de Grandhomme struck for New Zealand as he dismissed Shakib Al Hasan for 14.
Bangladesh continued to lose wickets at regular intervals after that, but Mahmudullah fought valiantly for the tourists as he smashed 52 off 47 balls, which included three boundaries and three sixes.
Mahmudullah’s 52 went in vain
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
As a result of Mahmudullah’s knock, Bangladesh managed to make a respectable 141/8 off their 20 overs.
Lockie Ferguson was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Ben Wheeler snapped up two and De Grandhomme, Matt Henry and Mitchell Santner chipped in with one wicket apiece.
Chasing 142 to win, New Zealand got off to a brisk start before they were put on the back foot when Neil Broom, Colin Munro and Corey Anderson were removed in quick succession.
Things continued to go downhill for the hosts as debutant Tom Bruce for run out by Soumya Sarkar for just seven runs.
However, Williamson and De Grandhomme not only stabilised the innings, but won the game for New Zealand as they put together an unbeaten 81-run stand in 7.5 overs.
Williamson finished on 73 not out, which came off 55 balls and included five boundaries and two sixes, while De Grandhomme struck three boundaries and three sixes during his unbeaten 22-ball 41, which was his career-best in Twenty20 Internationals.
Al Hasan, Rubel Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman claimed one wicket each.
Mortaza was disappointed to have lost, and said: “15-20 runs short. Mahmudullah batted well, but we could have scored more. We got some early wickets, but Williamson batted really well, and De Grandhomme supported him well. We fought well in the last ten overs with the bat, and in the first ten overs with the ball.”
Williamson, who was named Man of the Match, was delighted to have started 2017 with a win, and said: “I suppose it would have nice to do it with more efficiency. We lost some wickets in between, but credit to the bowling attack for setting the tone. The way Colin came out and the partnership at the end was fantastic. Wheeler has done it for CD; great to see him at the international level. Lockie came in and bowled fast. Santner and Colin, the slower bowlers, also showed good signs going into the next one. Good support from the crowd.”