Positives and Negatives Evident in New Zealand Win over Bangladesh

There were plenty of lessons to be learnt from New Zealand's three-wicket win over Bangladesh in the sternest test of their World Cup campaign so far. With their opponents reeling, the bowling attack faltered and let the Bangladesh batsmen off the hook, while losing Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson early saw them look to different sources for their runs.

The batting side of the performance had its positives, although it also provided the blueprint for how to stall New Zealand's top order.

It is nothing new to discover that New Zealand struggle against spin, particularly good spin. Bangladesh exploited this, opening with the slow left-arm pairing of Shakib Al Hassan and Taijul Islam.

While unable to subdue New Zealand altogether, it was a tactic that slowed their start, removing their two most dangerous batsmen and containing Ross Taylor to a fairly slow-paced 56.

Of course it is a risky tactic, but given McCullum's form in the tournament so far, it is perhaps one worth using due to his ability to make use of pace to find the boundary. A good eye and quick wrists mean that fast bowlers have rarely upset him early on in recent times, but the extra timing required to aggressively take to a slower bowler can be his undoing.

It was Martin Guptill that saved the tournament hosts in his best performance in a number of years. He scored with ease all around the wicket, driving the ball well straight and through the covers, while also looking comfortable cutting the ball behind square off the back foot.

His measured 105 off 100 balls was the key to New Zealand's successful run chase, putting the lower order in a position to attack the total required in the closing stages of the innings.

To lose McCullum and Williamson so cheaply and still be able to chase down 288 has to be a huge confidence booster for the Kiwis. 

Yet it so easily could have been another low total after a series of unlucky chances did not go to hand early for the devastating opening bowling combination of Tim Southee and Trent Boult.

Both swung the ball well and were at times unplayable. However unlike past performances, they were almost too good. The ball was moving so much it continually beat the edge, while when they did find the edge or force a mis-hit the ball more often than not seemed to find land. 

It was as well as the pair has bowled all tournament. But Bangladesh had seen off their initial onslaught for just two wickets, meaning the rest of the bowling attack was to receive their biggest test so far.

Daniel Vettori used his usual means of varying pace and flight to provide an economical ten overs, while Corey Anderson chipped in with a handy 2/43 off his ten.

You do not win a close game with four bowlers though and for the first time in the tournament, it showed for New Zealand.

Mitchell McClenaghan, replacing the injured Adam Milne, was his usual aggressive self for his eight overs. Unfortunately he was his usual self when it came to his consistency too, bowling too short and being far too easily picked off. He finished without a wicket and went for 68 runs, being taken to a late spell which helped Bangladesh post a competitive total.

Grant Elliott was too easily picked off as well, being hit for three sixes and managing just three dot balls in his two overs.

It begs the question of what to do if Milne, or another of the bowlers, is not fit for the business end of the tournament.

McClenaghan is capable of a breakthrough, but is too loose and needs to bowl a more consistent length to be counted on as the third seamer. Elliot retains his place as a part-timer, but is not threatening enough to be counted on as a legitimate seaming option. 

The experienced Kyle Mills could be an option, but he too is very hittable and would find himself in a new role, as he will not take the new ball over Southee and Boult. Could he adapt to that? He is a good death bowler, but does not provide a huge threat through the middle of the innings meaning they might be better to look elsewhere.

Nathan McCullum is the other option, a spinning all-rounder capable of bowling economically and quick getting through his overs quickly. He is tidy and offers another batting option too, although New Zealand may be reluctant to choose a second spinner on their seamer-friendly pitches.

Of course there is no need to panic. On another day, Southee and Boult would have got more reward for their performances and New Zealand would have been in a far stronger position. 

But there is always the chance they will not, so having depth is important. 

Ideally Milne will recover, adding genuine pace and an attacking threat to bring at first change. If not, the New Zealand selectors will have some decisions to make. 

There were plenty of positives to take from their win over Bangladesh, but it was a match which also showed up some of New Zealand's flaws. Whether they can go on to win their first World Cup may yet depend on how well they can cover these up in the coming weeks.