New Zealand drew first blood in their series with Bangladesh by thrashing them by 10 wickets in the one-off Twenty20 in Hamilton. Having skittled the visitors for a paltry 78 in 17.3 overs, the Black Caps reached their target with ease, taking just 8.2 overs as openers Brendon McCullum and debutant Peter Ingram quickly rattled off the runs required. Bangladesh were not helped by some poor fielding. McCullum was dropped on six and then Ingram was given a lifeline on 11 and both players made full use of the reprieve. McCullum finally blasted his way to an unbeaten half-century, his 56 coming off 27 balls and including seven fours and two sixes. In his first taste of international cricket Ingram hit three fours in his 23-ball 20 not out.
It was a tough night's work for the visitors, who won the toss and chose to bat. They were soon in trouble as New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori proved the chief destroyer, taking three wickets for six runs from his four overs. His bowling partnership with fellow spinner Nathan McCullum (two for 15) ripped the heart out of the Bangladesh side as they slumped from 41 for three to 42 for five in the space of four balls and never recovered. Jacob Oram (two for 16) and Daryl Tuffey (two for 16) and the returning James Franklin (one for eight) ensured the visitors' wickets fell at regular intervals. Bangladesh did not help themselves though as they swung their bats wildly and did not cope with the turn or bounce of the Seddon Park wicket. * PA