The White Ferns have eased to a 37-run victory over Bangladesh this afternoon, clinching the T20 series with a match to spare.
New Zealand never threatened to hit the heights of Friday night’s record win in the opener but, equally, the result was never in doubt even though the touriststurned in a much-improved showing at University Oval.
After being subpar in all three facets during their 132-run defeat in Christchurch, Bangladesh were tighter with the ball and held their catches as they restricted the hosts to 148-4.
Seventeen-year-old debutant Marufa Akter was a key contributor in that effort, picking up 2-22 including the wicket of Sophie Devine (19 off 14). Once Suzie Bates fell for a scratchy 20 from 27 balls at the end of the 12th over, the White Ferns were on 71-4 and in danger of posting an underwhelming score.
But Amelia Kerr (46no off 30) and Maddy Green (37no off 25) then put together the best partnership of the match and took 17 runs from the final over to lift their side to a respectable total.
The target always looked beyond the reach of Bangladesh and occupation of the crease seemed a greater objective after they were skittled for 32 in the first match. And despite some adventures while running between the wickets, the tourists did see out their allotment to post 111-8.
Hayley Jensen again impressed with the ball, taking 2-12, while Bangladesh managed to blunt Lea Tahuhu (1-23) after she had scythed through them at Hagley Oval.
The third match is in Queenstown on Wednesday afternoon, followed by three ODIs between the sides.
