Opener Martin Guptill has racked up his second century in as many matches, his 118 anchoring the Black Caps to an eight-wicket win in the second one-day international against Bangladesh in Christchurch.
Black Caps opener Martin Guptill Photo: Photosport
The New Zealanders dismissed Bangladesh for 226, two balls short of 50 overs after winning the toss, and were never pressured in reply, reaching 229-2 early in the 37th over.
Guptill had belted an unbeaten 117 off 116 balls as the Black Caps cruised to an eight-wicket win in the first ODI in Napier three days ago, was even more dominant at Hagley Oval as New Zealand took a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
He took 88 balls for his 118, which included 14 fours and four sixes, and marked his 16th one-day hundred.
His dismissal came late in the 29th over with the match all but won. Ross Taylor joined skipper Kane Williamson at the wicket, the pair efficient in guiding New Zealand home with nearly 13 overs to spare.
Williamson's 65 not out came off 86 balls, and was his 37th ODI half-century in 139 matches, while Taylor looked comfortable chipping in with 21 off 20 balls.
Earlier, the Black Caps shook off a flurry of dropped catches after winning the toss and opting to bowl.
As they did in the first ODI three days ago, the New Zealand bowlers collected wickets regularly, beginning with Lockie Ferguson's removal of Liton Das for one with the first ball of the fourth over.
The next four wickets fell for 88 runs, and Bangladesh looked in trouble at 93-5 after 21 overs. However, a 75-run sixth-wicket stand between Mohammad Mithun and Sabbir Rahman resurrected the innings somewhat, until Todd Astle clean bowled Mithun for 57 halfway through the 35th over.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz could add only 16 before he top-edged Jimmy Neesham to Nicholls at point, Neesham featuring again when he caught Sabbir Rahman (43) with a sharp effort off Ferguson late in the 44th over.
New Zealand wrapped up the innings with two balls to spare, Ferguson leading the way with 3-43 off his 10 overs. Astle took 2-52 and Neesham 2-21, while Matt Henry, Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhomme all collected a wicket apiece.
The third and final ODI is scheduled for next Wednesday in Dunedin, with the first test in a three-match series beginning in Hamilton on February 28.
