CHRISTCHURCH: New Zealand joined Pakistan in the final of the tri-series after posting a 48-run win against Bangladesh in Christchurch.
Chasing the mammoth target of 209 runs, Bangladesh only managed to score 160 runs with the fall of seven wickets.
After Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips made quickfire sixties, Adam Milne and Michael Bracewell bowled effectively as the home side dominated with bat and ball. Bangladesh looked competitive with the bat but couldn’t quite keep up with the pressure against the home side.
Milne’s three wickets pegged back the visitors, with his pace making a difference. Bracewell and stand-in captain Tim Southee finished with two wickets apiece. Shakib Al Hasan struck 70 off 44 balls, with eight fours and a six, but it was a lone effort.
New Zealand on the other hand, had plenty of big-hitting throughout their innings after they were put in.
None of the Bangladesh bowlers conceded less than 9 runs per over and even captain Shakib Al Hasan went wicketless after conceding 40 runs in his 4-over quota. Saifuddin and Ebadot Hossain picked up 2 wickets each but New Zealand did enough damage with the bat.
Now Bangladesh will be playing their last match of the series with Pakistan on Thursday, October 13.
Meanwhile, the final match of the series will be played between Pakistan and New Zealand at Hagley Oval on October 14.
