New Zealand cricket has sunk to a new low after the Black Caps suffered their first one day international loss to Bangladesh.
The New Zealand cricketers also lost the chance to go to second on the international one day rankings, after their historic loss.
An expected 3-0 series win that would have sealed that ranking was blown as Bangladesh cruised to a seven-wicket victory in the opening one day match in Mirpur.
The home side restricted New Zealand to 201 for 9, and the run chase, anchored by Zunaed Siddique with a brilliant 85, saw them coast to victory in the 46th over.
The home captain Mohammad Ashraful made an unbeaten 60 to guide Bangladesh to their first win over the Black Caps in 12 one-dayers.
Put in to bat on a pitch drenched by overnight rain, the New Zealand openers Jesse Ryder and Brendon McCullum made a bright start with a partnership of 47, but McCullum's dismissal sparked a collapse which saw the Black Caps lose six wickets for 32 runs.
Jacob Oram was top scorer with 57.
The New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori praised Bangladesh and offered no excuses for his own team, although he said once the pitch dried out 201 was never going to be enough.
Game two in the three-match series is on the same ground on Saturday.
