Oram rescues Black Caps

Kiwi all-rounder saves the day in second match of series

By Simon Dilger   Last updated: 12th October 2008

Jacob Oram

Oram: All-round star

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Second One-Day International
Mirpur
New Zealand 212-9 (J Oram 75 no, Syed Rasel 3-23) beat Bangladesh 137 (K Mills 3-13) by 75 runs

Jacob Oram provided New Zealand with a desperately needed get-out-of-jail card as they clinched a 75-run win against Bangladesh in the second ODI at Dhaka's Mirpur National Stadium.

Already trailing 1-0 in the series following their first-ever defeat to Bangladesh on Thursday, the Black Caps were staring into the abyss after the hosts decimated their top order.

However, Oram came to the rescue a magnificent match saving all-round performance after seeing his side reduced to 115-7.

The 30-year-old all-rounder stood firm at the crease producing an unbeaten 75 before claiming two wickets and two catches to level the series.

Late blitz

Oram constructed a patient half century before blasting 25 from the final over including three straight sixes to help New Zealand post a defendable 212-9.

Syed Rasel was the pick of the Bangladesh bowlers, taking three for 23 from his 10 overs, including the early wickets of Brendon McCullum (12), Jamie How (0) and Jesse Ryder (30), all in quick succession.

And had it not been for Oram's late fireworks they would have restricted the Kiwis to less than the 201-9 they had scored in the Tigers' seven-wicket win in the series opener.

This time the hosts were not able to impress with the bat and once Kyle Mills removed opener Tamim Iqbal with the second ball of the innings,Oram further hampered the Bangladesh run chase.

The seamer picked up the key scalp of Mohammad Ashraful (40), after which the home side collapsed to 137 all out.

Mills bowled Mushfiqur Rahim (11) in the ninth over and Siddique was dismissed following a 53-run stand with Ashraful.

Although the home side retained some hope while Ashraful remained at the crease, his exit effectively marked the end of Bangladeshi dreams of victory and perhaps that historic series win.