The Black Caps breeze through to an easy win

Match 11: New Zealand vs Bangladesh at Chennai - Review

October 13, 2023: In a match where surprises were least expected, the result was as expected. New Zealand dominated Bangladesh in all departments and went on to win by 8 wickets with a little over 7 overs to spare. 

Kane Williamson and Daryll Mitchell carried the innings supported by Devon Conway on the way to conquer a sub-par score of 246. Just like Rahul and Sachin, Rachin also had a rare failure in his batting swansong today. Williamson getting retired hurt will make the Kiwis anxious. He brings calmth and assurance into the batting as long as he is there at the crease. 

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh was rattled by the sheer pace of Lockie Fergusson losing 4 wickets in the first 15 overs however two guys who have been holding the fort for Bangladesh for a long time now came to their rescue. One of the world’s finest all – rounder Shakib Al Hasan in partnership with old guard Mushfiqur Rahim added 99 runs to the partnership to resurrect the Bangladesh Innings. It is unfortunate that a player like Mahmudullah has to come 7 down to bat given his ability to put his head down and make an impact. 

Though they were well on course to make a 260+ score, with the tail coming in aggression was not an option for Bangladesh and were definitely 30 runs short of a comfortable target to defend. 

Trent Boult becomes the 3rd fastest to 200 ODI wickets and looks in good space to continue doing what he does best – pick up wickets at the start and end of an innings. Glenn Phillips probably would become the first pure play bowling wicket keeper looking at the way he is chipping away wickets rolling his arm. This is giving them multiple bowling options.

Bangladesh is a front runner for the “Giant Slayer” tag. Ask the Aussies, Pakistan and India about how they can surprise a team. Having said this, I think it is high time they should perform themselves out of the minnow’s tag. 

New Zealand are at the pole position with three wins in three games they played, but they will have to play the ranked nations. The fight for the table top intensifies from the second week.

In one sentence – the game gave what was expected and lacked the explosive punch from a world class team.

- Sairam, Team Pure Cricket

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