Dylan Cleaver provides five takeaways from the Black Caps' crushing win over Bangladesh in the first ODI.
1. Few one-day rivalries in world cricket have such a ludicrous hometown swing than New Zealand v Bangladesh. That was the 14th ODI between the two countries in New Zealand, with the homeside leading 14-0. They have played 13 times in Bangladesh and the home side leads 8-5, but it is worth remembering that the Tigers have won the past seven ODIs against New Zealand at home.
2. When Martin Guptill recently appeared on New Zealand's most popular weekly specialty cricket podcast, The BYC, he outlined the two shots that indicate to him when he's in form: the on drive and the lofted drive over mid-off. In the first two overs today he got off the mark with a booming on-drive off Mustafizur Rahman, then pummelled Hasan Mahmud over mid-off the following over. Yes, he's in good nick.
3. Guptill's fun ended after 19 balls, when the impressive Taskin Ahmed found the faintest of edges. Taskin was out here in 2017 as a promising young tearaway but fell hard, finding himself on the outer for three years, a period he recalled with some heartache to Cricinfo: "People said things like, 'He's done, he's finished.' They said that I have nothing more to offer, that I have a bad lifestyle and am always injured. You know, the usual things people say when you are not successful. At one stage, I felt like I was in depression. Speaking to a mental-health expert definitely helped me. It really cleared my mind up. I was motivated to do more in terms of fitness and my bowling. I am still in touch with him, and the rest of the people who helped me get fitter and bowl better."
4. As hints go it wasn't subtle. Gary Stead and team leadership do not yet consider Daryl Mitchell a genuine all-rounder. Mitchell was essentially brought into the squad to replace the injured Colin de Grandhomme but there was no place at the bowling crease for Mitchell in conditions helpful for seamers. With bat in hand there are no such questions: Mitchell has adapted instantly and impressively to international cricket.
5. There was a nice moment before the start when stand-in skipper Tom Latham received a commemorative cap from his father Rod, marking his 100th one-day international.
Tom Latham receives his 100th cap from his dad Rod Latham. Photo / Photosport
Latham senior played 33 ODIs and four tests for his country with moderate success, and carved out a long career for his beloved Cantabs, playing more than 100 first-class games and 100 List A games. The Linwood fullback also played 41 first-class rugby matches, 33 for Canterbury.
