New Zealand secured their second World Cup 2019 win in a row with a thrilling two-wicket win over a spirited Bangladesh in a nailbiter at The Oval on Wednesday.
During a shaky start as they chased 245 to win, the Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson should have been run out for eight, but Bangladesh wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim broke the stumps before gathering the ball.
Williamson (40) and Ross Taylor took advantage to guide their side to 160 for 2, only to slip to 191-5 after Taylor’s dismissal on 82.
26 – Ross Taylor & Kane Williamson have recorded their 26th 50+ partnership in ODIs, equalling Nathan Astle and Stephen Fleming for the most for the @BLACKCAPS. Duo. #CWC19 #BANvNZ pic.twitter.com/BgI3irkzVn
— OptaJim (@OptaJim) June 5, 2019
Bangladesh were buzzing in front of their fervent fans and struck twice in quick succession to remove Jimmy Neesham and Colin de Grandhomme and leave New Zealand at 218-7, needing 27 runs off 39 balls.
Matt Henry was cleaned up by Mohammad Saifuddin with seven required but Lockie Ferguson edged one for four and Mitchell Santner (17 not out) smashed a boundary to guide his side to victory with 17 balls to spare.
🙌🏼 Watch the shot that sealed a tense win for New Zealand over a resilient Bangladesh #BACKTHEBLACKCAPS | #RiseOfTheTigers#CWC19 #BANvNZ pic.twitter.com/r3a8FTKqfA
— ICC (@ICC) June 5, 2019
Earlier, the Black Caps’ superb bowling attack, led by Henry (4-47), took wickets at regular intervals to dismiss Bangladesh for 244 in 49.2 overs despite Shakib Al Hasan hitting 64 and several other batsmen making starts.
This win over Bangladesh has taken New Zealand to the top of the points-table as they have won both their matches.
🏏 They’ve done it again! 2/2 wins for the @BLACKCAPS 🇳🇿 at #CWC19! Amazing effort everyone 👏 https://t.co/KvjEYiq09y
— NZ High Commission in London (@NZinUK) June 5, 2019
They’ve done it again!! @BLACKCAPS become the first team to win their second @cricketworldcup match, taking them to the top of the standings. 🇳🇿🏏🏆 https://t.co/QzeaWCKSLo
— UK in New Zealand (@UKinNZ) June 5, 2019
They will now take on Afghanistan at Taunton on Saturday, when Bangladesh face England at Cardiff.