Neither Pakistan nor Bangladesh have particularly challenged this well-rounded New Zealand side but it was another comprehensive victory that sees them take momentum and confidence into the semi-finals.
After a decent start, Bangladesh’s innings fell apart with a whimper as their batters could not adapt against the nagging accuracy of New Zealand’s bowling attack, particularly Bracewell’s off-spin.
The 34-year-old made the opening breakthrough with Tanzid Hasan caught by Williamson for 24, and from there bowled 10 overs consecutively while rarely having to change his approach as Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah were all out slogging after failing to rotate the strike consistently.
Shanto and Ali played sensibly to save their side from a complete collapse but they lacked support from elsewhere to post a competitive total on a good surface, while their bowling attack lacked threat after the new ball swing was blunted.
Ravindra made his way back into the XI because of illness to Daryl Mitchell, and having come to the crease at 15-2, has given the New Zealand selectors a headache regarding to how to keep him in the side after a classy innings which included 12 fours and a six.
He made the most of a vital missed run out opportunity when he only had 25, followed by drops on 93 and 105 which were less likely to have influenced the result.
The partnership with Latham, who is also in fine form after his century against Pakistan, was a masterclass in strike rotation and taking calculated risks throughout the middle overs as none of the bowlers were able to settle into a spell in the manner of Bracewell.
New Zealand’s final group-stage match against India will decide who finishes top of the group but will also provide an interesting assessment of how both unbeaten teams will fare under real pressure for the first time.
Source link : https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/articles/c30mn9nm8j1o
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Publish date : 2025-02-24 16:43:16
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