Losing too many wickets early was the problem: Mashrafe

Bangladesh's search for their first win over New Zealand in their own backyard continues as Mashrafe Bin Mortaza's side were at the receiving end of an eight-wicket defeat against the hosts -- courtesy of an unbeaten 116-ball 117 from Kiwi opener Martin Guptil -- in the first of the three-match ODI series at McLean Park in Napier today.

Interestingly, Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe and New Zealand opener Guptill shared similar thoughts on the reasons why the former's side had lost today while Guptill remained on the winning side when they spoke at the post-match press conference. Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe pointed out that losing early wickets had cost them the game while Kiwi opener Guptill mentioned that being able to see through the initial overs without losing crucial wickets played a key role in their triumph today.    

"I think it could have been 300, 280, 290 for sure. We lost our first four wickets, but still we scored 230. Even so, we couldn't manage to play all the overs. It was a very good wicket to bat on; we missed out there. We could have scored 290, even 300.

"[The problem was] losing too many wickets early. I think some bad decisions, playing shots. Obviously, Boult was swinging the ball earlier. The first 10 overs are very key, and it is important that we don't lose wickets. That was why we lost, I guess." said Mashrafe, pointing out the flaws.

New Zealand openers -- Guptill and Henry Nicholls -- strung together a 103-run opening stand and according to the centurion Guptill, it was the key to their win today.   

"Obviously, we got out [to bat] with little guidelines; things like that to set the different phases of the innings up, but it changed with different conditions of the game and today it was not a wicket where you could hit through the line of a ball. It was a bit slow and holding up so it was a really 'hard work' sort of wicket. We were able to get through that first 10 overs without losing a wicket and then push on to set the game up." said Guptill.

Mashrafe, however, is all for shifting gears and taking risks in a game but also said that today the Tigers had taken too many risks very early in the innings.

"As a batsman that is something [shot selection and gear shifting] you have to control. And there is a big difference between the wickets we played T20s on and this one. The ball becomes easier after the first 10, 15 overs. So if you are set, then it's easier to play shots and score big. It is very important that we make these adjustments before the next match. And the thing you said, it is difficult to play ODIs with that mindset. You obviously have to play shots. You have to make sure before playing shots that you are in control and I think it is better to take risks after taking the team to a good position."

Bangladesh will now look to learn from their mistakes and bounce back when they face Kane Williamson's side in the second ODI of the series on February 16.