An unbeaten century to Black Caps opener Martin Guptill has guided New Zealand to a comfortable eight wicket win over Bangladesh in the first one day cricket international in Napier.
Set 233 to win after Bangladesh had won the toss and decided to bat, the home side's run chase was a measured one given the the tourists total was 70 runs shy of a competitive target.
Coming off a 4-1 series loss to second ranked India, the fourth ranked Black Caps weren't tested by Bangladesh who sit seventh in the world rankings.
Given Bangladesh were 94 for six at one stage the fact they got through to 232 was largely due to 86 run eighth wicket stand between Mohammad Mithun (62) and Mohammad Saifuddin (41).
Bowling for the Black Caps - Trent Boult and Mitch Santner took three wickets each while Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson took two apiece.
Martin Guptill v Bangladesh in Napier, Feb 2019. Photo: Photosport
Despite the relative ease of the win there are a couple of areas that should concern the Black Caps.
Having had Bangladesh 94-6, the bowlers were unable to mop up the lower order and the Black Caps also gave away 16 wides.
Guptill and Henry Nicholls put on 103 for the opening stand - the first century opening partnership of the summer in ODI's for the Black Caps- before Henry was dismissed for 53 off 80 balls.
Skipper Kane Williamson (11) was the only other wicket to fall as Guptill finished on 117 not out, his 15th one day international century.
Even though New Zealand's run chase as sedate Guptill still scored at almost a run a ball with his hundred coming off 103 balls.
His innings included eight boundaries and four sixes.
Ross Taylor finished 45 not out.
Game two in the three match series is Christchurch on Saturday.
Look back over the match commentary here:
