The insect rebellion didn't discriminate. The New Zealanders called for the repellant to ensure no UFIs (unidentified flying insects) disrupted a catch. As a whole it wasn't the hosts' best fielding performance, despite continued kamikaze efforts from captain Brendon McCullum in races with the ball to the rope. Too many harbour bridges and puzzled looks permeated when balls sneaked through the in-field.
Mahmudullah and Sarkar questioned New Zealand's bowling authority, particularly during overs 11-20 with 66 runs. Sarkar made 51 from 58, his maiden ODI half-century in his sixth match.
Sabbir Rahman also produced a cameo of 40 from 23 in a sixth-wicket partnership of 78 from 48 balls.
Even Daniel Vettori endured rare punishment late in his overs. He bowled the first seven for 19 runs and removed Sarkar with a Corey Anderson catch at long-on. However, his last three went for 10, six and seven as Bangladesh capitalised.
Boult struggled in his latter overs after dismissing the two openers. After delivering three maidens to start, he conceded eight an over for the last seven.
Mitchell McClenaghan could be afforded some sympathy in his none for 68 from eight overs. He exemplified the difference between net and match bowling. Conversely Anderson produced one of his better 10-over spells, taking two for 43.
Bangladesh generated a better tempo than Ireland with 259 against India as an opening innings at the venue during the World Cup, but were short of South Africa's 339 for four against Zimbabwe. They continue to suggest they will be challenging quarter-final opponents.
McCullum's decision to field was logical. With the block sweating under covers the previous day there was every chance evaporating moisture would provide extra swing from Boult and Southee early.
New Zealand could have opted to bat and negotiate some potentially tricky overs but chasing will be demanding into the Hamilton evening with rain forecast.
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