Black Caps batsman Martin Guptill is enjoying the new opening combo he has with Henry Nicholls after the pair generated a 100-run partnership in last night's ODI win over Bangladesh.
The duo put up 103 runs for the first wicket before Nicholls was removed - a stark contrast to the first time the two opened together against India where Guptill was dismissed for just 14.
"The first one didn't last too long," Guptill said.
"Today was good, we were able to push through quite a tough period. It wasn't easy to bat out there with the sun going down but we made sure to set the platform.
"We were able to get through that first 10 overs without losing a wicket and then push on to have a big partnership up top to set the game up."
Guptill went on to post 117 not out in Napier last night as the Black Caps claimed an eight-wicket win to open the series.
He and Nicholls were aggressive in their approach too, chasing singles when they were on offer - an attitude Guptill says the pair are in sync on.
"You've got to trust your partner's call at the other end. There were a few good, short singles that we were able to just make a bit of eye contact on and then just go, which was good."
It's the last set of ODIs the Black Caps will play before the World Cup, meaning discussions around who will make the final cut between Nicholls and benched opener Colin Munro are in full swing.
Guptill isn't focused on the chatter though.
"Cricket's a funny game. [Partnering with Nicholls] may not work next time, you just don't know," he said.
"I enjoy batting with Henry and I love batting with Colin as well. Whoever I'm opening with it doesn't bother me too much."
Guptill and the Black Caps head to Christchurch now for the second ODI on Saturday.
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