Left-arm spinner Mohammad Rafique, who bowled 10 overs, giving away just 39 runs and picking one wicket, played a big role in restricting the New Zealand batsmen. The other Bangladesh bowler who accredited himself well was the leg-spinner Mohammad Ashraful. The young man, who came into the match after hearing that he had been dropped from the Bangladesh squad for the tour of South Africa, proved a point by claiming three wickets, including that of Sinclair.