Imrul Kayes' sporadic genius

There were plenty of great shots from Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes during Bangladesh's first 100-plus opening stand in more than a year. There was a smooth straight drive, a hoist over long-on, a powerful sweep and an elegant inside-out shot, but the one that stood out was Imrul's power-packed pull shot off Tim Southee in the seventh over. Southee dug it in short on the slow pitch - the same one that was used in the second ODI - and the ball sat up for Kayes, who duly put it away to the boundary.

For a Bangladesh batsman who earlier this year said that he is more prepared before a delivery to play shots off the back foot, this was a testament of his developing a lot of power for that particular shot.

Neil Broom's comeback to the New Zealand side got sweeter after his terrific catch in the 22nd over. It all happened quickly after Imrul Kayes top edged a slog off Mitchell Santner and the ball fountained towards a vacant spot to Broom's left. He ran back a few steps before diving full length - facing the third-man boundary - and pulling off the one-handed catch. It was a much-needed breakthrough for New Zealand as they ended Bangladesh's 102-run opening stand.

After Imrul Kayes got out to a hoick in the 22nd over, Tamim Iqbal was expected to anchor the innings. While he tried to take stock of the situation after Sabbir Rahman and Mahmudullah also fell cheaply, Tamim got into a shell - he couldn't get a boundary for nearly ten overs. His first attempt to hit out cost him dearly, as the ugly slog only reached Broom, this time running back from point to complete an easier catch.

When Mustafizur Rahman produced a vicious cutter to Neil Broom, the outside edge looped towards Imrul Kayes at slip. It was among the simplest catches he'd get at this level, but the ball grazed Imrul's fingers and fell to the floor. A contender for one of the worst drops of 2016. Broom hadn't opened his account so it was a big let-off. What was astounding was that, despite his poor record as a catcher, Imrul was Bangladesh's designated slip fielder in the first place.