McClenaghan's record is impressive. Before yesterday he had taken 66 wickets in 34 games at 24.83 each, and was equal second fastest to 50 ODI wickets. Now he's taken 66 in 35 games at a slightly poorer 25.86.
In a sense he was a victim of New Zealand's policy of sticking with an unchanged XI through the World Cup, as have been Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills and Tom Latham, who have had one fewer Cup appearances than McClenaghan.
You can't argue with the strategy in what it has delivered so far.
What it did display, for all the talk about the quartet having worked overtime in the nets - and not to dispute that - is that no amount of practice compensates for the real thing.
McClenaghan strove hard. Six times he fell to the ground in his followthrough, a clue to the effort he was putting in.
His first over went for 11. His next four in succession cost 19.
His sixth, the 41st, went for nine, as century-maker Mahmudullah swung him into the crowd.
His last two cost 30, the final three balls whistling to the fence as Mahmudullah went into overdrive.
In the end, his eight overs cost 68.
A tough day.
Bangladesh set New Zealand easily their hardest chase of the Cup. Mahmudullah hit an outstanding century.
Balls did not go to hand as readily as they have. Trent Boult's last seven overs went for 56.
For a range of reasons, an intriguing 50 overs.
Brendon McCullum nearly did himself a serious mischief hurtling into a fence yesterday. He kept peering at a hand after that.
His wholeheartedness is admirable. But given his importance maybe a gentle word of caution is due.
For more coverage of the Cricket World Cup from nzherald.co.nz and NZME check out #CricketFever.
