After having gone down to Pakistan in their tri-series opener, New Zealand have bounced back in fine style to register three convincing wins on the trot in the ongoing tri-nation series at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch. The Kiwis emerged victorious by 48 runs on Wednesday to register their third straight win. As such, they confirmed a spot in the final of the ongoing tri-series at home.
Having been put in to bat in the absence of regular skipper Kane Williamson, New Zealand got off to a brisk 45-run start in 4.2 overs, with Finn Allen scoring a brisk 32 off 19 by Shoriful Islam. Devon Conway (64 off 40) added 82 for the second wicket with Martin Guptill, who walked in at 3.
Bangladesh managed to strike twice to dismiss Conway and Mark Chapman in quick succession, but Glenn Phillips stroked a blazing 60 off 24, with two fours and five sixes to help the hosts post 208/5.
Shakib Al Hasan (70 off 44) was the lone mainstay in Bangladesh’s run-chase, as no other batter crossed 23. The left-hander struck eight fours and a six before being dismissed by his opposite number Tim Southee in the penultimate over.
Adam Milne bagged three wickets for the Blackcaps, while Southee and Michael Bracewell managed two each. Phillips was named the Player of the Match for his entertaining blitz.
The result has confirmed a New Zealand vs Pakistan final on Friday, October 14, with Bangladesh being knocked out. The Shakib-led side will be up against Pakistan in the final round-robin encounter on Thursday.
Brief scores
New Zealand 208/5 in 20 overs (Conway 64, Phillips 60; Saifuddin 2-37) beat Bangladesh 160/7 in 20 overs (Al Hasan 70; Milne 3-24) by 48 runs
