New Zealand beat Bangladesh by two-wicket win in their World Cup clash at the Oval on Wednesday, as Ross Taylor scored a 91-ball 82 before the collapse of his side. A 20 runs stand for the 8th wicket between Mitchell Santner and Matt Henry brought down the target to seven. Lockie Ferguson and Santner hit a boundary each to seal the win.
Seamer Mohammad Saifuddin and spinner Mosaddek Hossain gave Bangladesh a glimpse of hope after New Zealand were cruising towards a comfortable win. New Zealand slumped from 160/2 to 218/7.
This is New Zealand’s second victory after their crushing 10-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, with the team hungry for a first-ever World Cup triumph.
Meanwhile, Shakib Al Hasan claimed his 200th one-day-international appearance in style with a polished 64 and two wickets but it was not enough. Later, Shakib removed openers Martin Guptill (25) and Colin Munro (24) before Taylor and Williamson steadied the innings during their 105-run stand for the third wicket.
When Bangladesh went out to bat, they lost their last six wickets for just 65 runs. Henry finished with figures of 4-47 as Bangladesh were bowled out for 244 in the final over.