The morning could not have been more radiant for a strong 18,000 home fans, who enjoyed every bit of a disciplined bowling backed by some enterprising fielding that saw Bangladesh restricting the Kiwis to a modest 224.

The total on a slightly slowish wicket suddenly created enormous interest even among those, who had earlier decided to stay away from a TV set assuming another crushing defeat was on the cards.

Expectations of Tigers' sixth one-day victory in their 96th appearance loomed large round the corner when the game resumed after a satisfying lunch.

But a rare dream quickly turned into a nightmare when our infamous batting line-up crashed to 86 all out with more than 19 overs remaining. The way our batting collapsed defied logic and New Zealand, who were feeling a little uncomfortable, heaved a big sigh of relief at the callousness of the home side.

"Our bowlers did a commendable job in the morning restricting New Zealand to an attainable target but the batting spoiled a wonderful opportunity," said Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar.

Returning to the side after a two-month injury break, Bashar was the lone batsman who played with some purpose.

"The wicket was a bit slow but it cannot be an excuse for the manner in which we have thrown our wickets away," said the grim-faced 32-year-old in a post-match briefing.

Bangladesh coach Dav What-more was trying to hide his face after yet another inexplicable batting display by his charges and that too after long hours in the nets.

"It was yet another extremely disappointing performance by the team," said the 50-year-old Australian, who was particularly critical about his top-order.

"The top-order batsmen must take much more responsibility, I mean the first four to six batsmen must take more responsibility," said Whatmore acidly.

While the Bangladesh camp looked as if they were attending a funeral, New Zealand stand-in captain Daniel Vettori, who was leading the side without Stephen Fleming, was a relieved man after a surprising facile victory.

"We were lucky to reach 224 as (Scott) Styris and (Chris) Cairns were involved in a valuable stand. We hope the wicket will be better in the next game," said Vettori after the match.

The visitors were reeling at 94-5 before Cairns salvaged them with stroke-filled 83-ball 74. He hit five sixes in his 23rd half-century.

"With a better wicket the score could have been much more higher. Yet the way Chris batted we expected the score to reach at least around 250," said Vettori.

The two teams will now return to Dhaka to play the last two one-day internationals at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Friday and Sunday.