Mills relieved after Black Caps win

Cricket365
November 6, 2013

New Zealand captain Kyle Mills breathed a sigh of relief as his team managed to weather the storm in the only Twenty20 against Bangladesh in Mirpur.

Having just taken a 3-0 beating in the ODI series, Mills' men won the one-off by 15 runs after posting 204 thanks to fine knocks by Colin Munro, who was unbeaten on 73, and Anton Devcich who scored a half century on debut.

"Devcich assessed the conditions really well," said Mills.

"He didn't try to be anyone else, he played his own shots and played them with confidence. I was really pleased for him. This is the first time that he has played the T20 international for his country and he stood up and played with great confidence. "

Mills singled-out Corey Anderson for his efforts with the ball as he conceded only 21 runs in his allotted overs.

"I think the Bangladesh side played our spinners really well today and Corey Anderson really stood up, which he has done every time he's had an opportunity with the bat or ball in this series. He is a great find for us and today I think he bowled exceptionally well," Mills stated.

In their innings Bangladesh fought back very well after they looked dead and buried at 19 for three.

While admitting that there may have been instances where doubt crept into his mind, Mills insisted that they felt momentum was always on their side.

"To post 204 runs, I think the Bangladesh side was behind the game from then on," said the Kiwi skipper.

"They batted really well in the first seven overs to keep it just under par. With us picking up wickets, we were always slightly in front."

"The Bangladesh side, like they have done all series, came pretty hard at us. It was a good, entertaining match and it was nice to come out on the right side."

Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim again proved to be an exemplary leader as he ensured his team remained close to asking rate despite the early loss of wickets. At 85/4 after seven overs the match was far from won and it took a calculated effort from New Zealand to remain in charge of proceedings.

"They (Bangladesh) are playing pretty aggressive cricket under Shane Jurgensen," Mills conceded.

"I think when you get into a situation like this – a sell-out crowd, one-game series – there is only one way the Bangladesh side was going to play. We were fully aware that they were going to come pretty hard at us, which they did. We were fortunate to pick up early wickets which nullified it."