New Delhi: New Zealand secured a dominant victory over Bangladeshcomfortably chasing down the 237-run target. Rachin ravindra emerged as the hero for the Kiwis with a brilliant 112 off 105 ballswhich included 12 fours and a six, easing the pressure on the other batters. Tom Latham provided valuable support, crafting a crucial 55 off 76 deliveries and forming a vital 100-run partnership with Ravindra. Despite early setbacks, including Will Young falling for a duck to Taskin Ahmed and Kane Williamson departing for just 5 runs off 4 balls, New Zealand remained in control. Devon Conway contributed a steady 30 off 45 balls before being dismissed by Mustafizur Rahman. Bangladesh, struggling to post a competitive total, found themselves outplayed by a well-rounded New Zealand side.
Bangladesh managed to put up 236/9 in their 50 overs against New Zealand, with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto leading the way with a gritty 77 off 110 balls. The team had hoped for a total around 300, but regular wickets hindered their momentum. Tanzid Hasan provided a quick start with 24 off 24, while Jaker Ali added a crucial 45 off 55 in the middle order. Rishad Hossain’s 26 off 25 towards the end gave Bangladesh a slight boost, but the overall total still looked underwhelming on a decent batting surface.
New Zealand’s bowlers kept Bangladesh in check throughout the innings. Michael Bracewell was the pick of the bowlers, delivering a match-defining spell with figures of 4/26 in his 10 overs. Will O’Rourke chipped in with two wickets, while Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson picked up one each. Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips bowled economically, ensuring Bangladesh never got a chance to accelerate.
Despite their efforts, Bangladesh’s total appeared below par, and with New Zealand’s strong batting lineup, the chase looked well within their reach.
Bracewell’s Game-Changing Spell
New Zealand’s bowling attack, led by Michael Bracewell, ensured that Bangladesh never settled. Bracewell bowled a match-defining spell, picking up crucial wickets and breaking the backbone of Bangladesh’s batting lineup. The middle overs, instead of being a phase for consolidation, turned into a period of constant rebuilding. Each time Bangladesh tried to recover, Bracewell and company derailed their plans. Shanto, despite his resilience, also fell victim to New Zealand’s disciplined bowling.
Bangladesh’s Late Flourish Falls Short
Despite a few late fireworks from Rishad Hossain, Bangladesh’s total of 236 seemed below par. The surface was decent for batting, with no significant demons to trouble the batters. While it was a bit slow, it still provided a good platform for stroke play. Under lights, the conditions only seemed to improve, making Bangladesh’s target look even less threatening.
New Zealand’s Comfortable Chase
Chasing 237, New Zealand approached the innings with confidence and composure. Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra ensured a steady start, rotating the strike well and punishing loose deliveries. Despite Taskin Ahmed striking early to remove Will Young, the Kiwi batters never looked under pressure. Kane Williamson, after a brief stay, fell to Nahid ranabut the required run rate was never a challenge for the chasing side.
Bangladesh’s Bowling Efforts Fall Short
Bangladesh’s bowlers tried to infuse some life into the contest, but New Zealand’s batters remained in control. Mustafizur Rahman managed to dismiss Conway with a deceptive cutter, but by then, the chase was well in New Zealand’s grasp. The Bangladeshi bowlers lacked the penetration needed to create sustained pressure.
In the end, New Zealand comfortably chased down the target, sealing a comprehensive victory. The win not only boosted their semifinal hopes but also knocked both Bangladesh and Pakistan out of the tournament. It was a dominant performance from New Zealand, showcasing their efficiency in both bowling and batting.
With this win, New Zealand solidified their position as strong contenders in the competition, while Bangladesh will look back at their batting failures as the key reason for their early exit.
