Black Caps sweep Bangladesh series

A series clean sweep over Bangladesh but Black Caps coach Mark Greatbatch says an improvement is needed against Aussies

12 February 2010
A less than convincing win for the Black Caps in the final one-day cricket international against Bangladesh in an empty AMI stadium in Christchurch.

Chasing 242 for victory, New Zealand reached its target with five overs to spare, but only three wickets in hand. Martin Guptil was the only batsman to really shine, securing the man of the match award with his 91 runs off 91 deliveries.

Coach Mark Greatbatch knows that batting performance will not be good enough in two weeks when Australia is here. He says they will need more than one batsman to fire and they will need to be competitive in a lot of areas if they are to give the Australians a run for their money.

There is some light at the end of the tunnel for the wobbly batting line-up, with the news that Jesse Ryder will undergo surgery to reinforce his abdominal wall next week. Greatbatch says although Ryder is disappointed, it will mean he will be back playing earlier than expected. Ryder sustained the injury in the Champions trophy in September.

However, there was an improved death bowling performance, with Andy McKay producing a tidy final over, although he went for 48 runs off eight overs. There were three wickets apiece for Tim Southee and Daniel Vettori.

The Black Caps' next challenge is a one-off test against Bangladesh, starting in Hamilton on Monday.

>> More Cricket News