New Zealand notched up their third consecutive win at the Cricket World Cup 2023 (CWC23), although it came at a cost as their captain, Kane Williamson, was forced to retire due to a suspected thumb injury.
The Kiwis exhibited their dominance by effortlessly chasing down Bangladesh’s target of 245 in Chennai, securing an eight-wicket victory. However, the jubilation was marred when Williamson had to step out of the game after scoring 78 runs. His discomfort while running between the wickets was evident throughout the innings, and the injury was triggered by an unfortunate incident where an infield throw struck his left hand while completing a run.
Bangladesh also face uncertainty as their captain, Shakib Al Hasan, suffered a left quad injury. Shakib has left for scans and may be in doubt for their crucial clash with India on October 19.
New Zealand took control of the match during the middle of Bangladesh’s innings, thanks to a collective bowling effort led by Lockie Ferguson (3/49) and Mitchell Santner (1/31). The Bangladeshi side struggled, falling from 152/4 to 180/7.
Trent Boult capitalized on the excellent groundwork of his teammates by delivering a slower knuckleball to dismiss Towhid Hridoy for 13, marking his 200th wicket in ODIs.
Although Mahmudullah Riyad’s efforts to salvage the innings were commendable, the tail-enders contributed with 56 runs in the final 10 overs.
Bangladesh’s innings got off to a dreadful start when Litton Das was dismissed by the very first ball, attempting to make a statement but finding Matt Henry on the boundary off Trent Boult’s bowling.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz stepped in at number three, steadying the ship with some aggressive batting alongside Tanzid Hasan, pushing Bangladesh to a run rate of six per over by the fifth over.
However, Lockie Ferguson brought New Zealand back into the game, taking Tanzid’s wicket for 16. Unfortunately for Tanzid, this was the third consecutive failure to make an impact in the tournament.
The Kiwis maintained their momentum with the ball after the Powerplay, as Ferguson secured his second wicket when Mehidy was caught at Fine Leg. In the following over, Glenn Phillips dismissed Najmul Hossain Shanto for seven.
In a bid to revive their innings, Bangladesh turned to their experienced players, Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim. The duo engineered a spirited partnership, with Mushfiqur taking charge, maintaining a brisk pace while rotating the strike effectively. Bangladesh reached the 100-run mark in the 21st over.
Shakib and Mushfiqur continued their repair work after the mid-innings point. Shakib, after a slow start, found his rhythm with boundaries, but an aggressive shot ultimately led to his downfall. Ferguson’s well-placed bouncer induced a top-edge, which was safely taken by the wicketkeeper.
Mushfiqur’s determined innings of 66, featuring six fours and two sixes, concluded in the 36th over when he was outfoxed by a slower delivery from Matt Henry.
New Zealand has now won both of its Cricket World Cup encounters, while Bangladesh won their opening match in Dharamsala before suffering a defeat to England at the same venue.
