Captain Kane Williamson and opener Devon Conway shared an 85-run partnership for the second wicket that helped steer New Zealand to an eight-wicket win over Bangladesh on Sunday at the New Zealand T20 Tri-Series.
Conway struck his third T20 half century from 36 balls and eventually carried his bat for 70 from 51 while Williamson struggled at times with the pace of the wicket and made 30 from 29 balls as New Zealand chased down Bangladesh's 137-8 with 13 balls to spare.
After two rounds Pakistan has two wins, New Zealand has a win and a loss and Bangladesh two losses in the tournament that is a warm-up for the T20 World Cup that begins in Australia later this month.
The next match is between New Zealand and Pakistan on Tuesday.
New Zealand reversed the strategy of its match against Pakistan on Saturday that it lost by six wickets after batting first. Williamson decided to bowl first and the tactic worked as the Bangladesh bowlers struggled to contain New Zealand on a slow, low pitch in a match played in cold conditions.
“We had a really good first half and some really good partnerships in the second half to get across the line,” Williamson said. “Our spinners were outstanding throughout the first 20 and the seamers complemented them really well.”