Cricket World Cup: NZ set 289 to win

Bangladesh batsman Mahmadullah hit 128 not out at Seddon Park. Photo / Getty Images

A sense of déjà vu pervaded at Seddon Park as New Zealand tethered Bangladesh to 29 for two in the opening powerplay of each side's final World Cup pool match.

That has been situation normal this tournament. The crowd would have been forgiven for contemplating an early finish, keeping with the trend against Scotland, England, Australia and Afghanistan.

Such parsimony wasn't to last. Bangladesh, led by consecutive centuries to Mahmudullah, accelerated throughout to 288 for seven; the first team New Zealand has been unable to dismiss in six World Cup matches. Mahmudullah made an unbeaten 128 off 123 balls. He was undaunted by New Zealand's bowling reputation as he whirred into 12 fours and three sixes, backing up from 62 against Scotland and 103 versus England.

Two key partnerships fastened the innings together after a struggling start which, after five overs, had registered four runs.

Mahmudullah and Soumya Sarkar revived the cause as they fought off the New Zealand bowlers - and what appeared to be an invasion of bugs around the pitch block - as part of a 90-run third-wicket stand in 18 overs.

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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