Monday, June 8, 2026
Monday, June 8, 2026
WORLD CUP: New Zealand beat Bangladesh in thriller
New Zealand secured their second World Cup win in a row with a nervy two-wicket win over a spirited Bangladesh in a thriller at The Oval.
During a shaky start as they chased 245 to win, Kiwi captain Kane Williamson should have been run out for eight, but wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim broke the stumps before gathering the ball.
Williamson (40) and Ross Taylor took advantage to guide their side to 160-2, only to slip to 191-5 once Taylor departed for 82.
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 218-7, needing 27 from 39 balls.
Matt Henry was bowled by Mohammad Saifuddin with seven required, but Lockie Ferguson edged for four and Mitchell Santner (17 not out) drove to the boundary to guide his side home with 17 balls to spare.
Earlier, the Black Caps’ superb bowling attack, led by Henry (4-47), took regular wickets to dismiss Bangladesh for 244 in 49.2 overs despite Shakib Al Hasan hitting 64 and several other batsmen making starts.
Had the New Zealand bowlers not done such a fine restricting job, Bangladesh would likely have completed a superb fightback.
Victory takes New Zealand to the top of the table as the only team so far to win both their matches.
They face Afghanistan at Taunton on Saturday, when Bangladesh take on England at Cardiff. (BBC Sport)
