New Zealand beat Bangladesh by 8 wickets in match number 11 of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. While Bangladesh batted first and posted 245/9 in their 50 overs, the Kiwis after losing an early wicket eased to their target. Captain Kane Williamson made 78 on his comeback before getting retired hurt while Daryl Mitchell chipped in with an unbeaten 89 with the Black Caps finishing off the run-chase with 43 balls remaining. The win, however, was set up by their clinicial bowling performance led by Lockie Ferguson's 3/49 who was adjudged the Player of the Match.
It was a combined clincial performance by the Kiwis on the field. Other than Ferguson's spell, Trent Boult, Matt Henry scalped 2/45 and 2/58 respectively. In addition, Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips also picked a wicket each. Having said that, Bangladesh were reeling at 56/4 at one stage and did not seem like they would be able to cross the 200-run mark. However, they eventually crossed that mark with ease, thanks majorly to the experienced duo of Mushfiqur Rahim (66 off 75) and Shakib Al Hasan (40) and their 96-run stand for the fifth wicket. Lower down the order, Mahmudullah also scored 41 off 49 to ensure Bangladesh have a fighting total on the board.
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Much to the delight of the Bangladesh fans, Mustafizur Rahman even got them an early breakthrough, getting rid of the in-form Rachin Ravindra in just the third over but an 80-run stand between Kane Williamson and Devon Conway put the match back in New Zealand's grip. Later, Williamson and Daryl Mitchell added 108 runs off 109 balls before the New Zealand skipper who suffered a blow to his thumb chose to retire. Glenn Phillips scored 16 off 11 and returned with Mitchell only after the team had crossed the finish line.
The victory meant a hat-trick of wins for the Kiwis who go to the top of the points table with six points from three matches. Bangladesh, meanwhile, find themselves at the sixth place with a win and two defeats from their three matches so far.