"I just did my thing," said the Taranaki cricketer after scoring 20 runs off 23 balls as the Black Caps scored 79 without loss, easily chasing down Bangladesh's paltry total of 78 all out.

"I felt good ... I'm happy as. I had a bit of luck [he was dropped on 11], but just played the way I always play. It's awesome."

Although Ingram smashed three trademark boundaries, he largely played second fiddle to fellow opener Brendon McCullum, who smashed 56 off 27 balls.

"We were pretty even to start with, then he started hitting them. Once he gets going, it's impressive. Even when he mishits them, they go for six."

What made last night's victorious debut even more special for Ingram was that his family, wife Aimee and sons Jamie, 2, and Tommy, 18 weeks, were in the crowd.

"It was good to have them here. They're coming to Napier, we're driving down tomorrow," Ingram said.

Napier is the venue for the first of three one-day matches between the Blacks Caps and Bangladesh.

"I'm looking forward to the one-dayers. McLean Park is a good wicket and, hopefully, I can get some runs there."