Bangladesh almost collected another upset victory in Wednesday’s World Cup fixture at The Oval in London, but ultimately were not strong enough to overcome New Zealand.
- New Zealand only team with two wins in as many matches this World Cup
- Black Caps lost six wickets for 78 runs, but still won
- Bangladesh’s 10 extra deliveries proved costly
Bangladesh beat South Africa earlier in the tournament, while the Black Caps added to last week’s convincing victory over Sri Lanka.
Batsman Ross Taylor largely continued what seamer Matt Henry had started as the Black Caps completed a tight two-wicket win with 17 deliveries to spare. The victory wasn’t without late alarm, though, as a commanding 160 for two collapsed to 238 for eight in pursuit of a 245-run target. All-rounder Mitchell Santner kept cool, calm and collected – and steered the tail-enders through the closing jitters.
Henry’s four-wicket haul had limited Bangladesh to 244 all out. Six of the Tigers’ top eight batsmen reached 20, but none managed to score more than all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan’s 64. This general lack of conversion proved costly.
New Zealand’s pursuit proved commanding on the back of captain Kane Williamson’s 40 and former skipper Ross Taylor’s 82. They perished in quick succession, though, sparking a concerning collapse. Bangladesh rued nine wides and one no-ball, which made Santner’s late salvo substantially easier.
Wednesday also saw India beat South Africa at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. Australia will clash with the West Indies at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on Thursday.
Photo: Getty Images
