New Zealand vs Bangladesh ICC CWC Match 11 Report

New Zealand vs Bangladesh ICC CWC Match 11 Report: Kane Williamson started his comeback in style, scoring 76 before getting hurt to leave the pitch in a New Zealand win over Bangladesh. Dewon Convay and Daryl Mitchell have also contributed with the bat and New Zeland made it 3 in 3.

Williamson’s return to the New Zealand side was earlier considered unlikely due to a right knee injury sustained during the previous season’s IPL. His early comeback exceeded expectations, and he showcased his class by steering New Zealand towards victory against Bangladesh.

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Solid Partnerships

New Zealand vs Bangladesh ICC CWC Match 11 Report — A short ball testing Conway. Getty

Williamson’s innings included ten boundaries and a six during his 108-ball stay. More than his personal score, Williamson’s contributions in building substantial partnerships were crucial. He shared an 82-run partnership for the second wicket with Devon Conway and later added 108 runs for the third wicket alongside Daryl Mitchell. These partnerships made New Zealand’s chase relatively straightforward, and they reached the target with plenty of deliveries to spare.

Costly Miss

At the beginning of their pursuit of 246 runs, Bangladesh created a glimmer of hope when Mustafizur Rahman dismissed New Zealand’s opening batsman, Rachin Ravindra, in the third over. However, a dropped chance by Mehidy Hasan Miraz off Conway’s bat allowed New Zealand to regain control. This miss proved costly for Bangladesh.

Conway capitalized on the opportunity, breaking free with a couple of boundaries. Williamson then showcased his skills, dispatching deliveries to the boundary against Bangladesh’s bowlers. Although he was dropped by Taskin Ahmed when he was 27, the damage was already done.

Hiccups That Didn’t Last

Shakib Al Hasan, who suffered the dropped catch, managed to break the second-wicket partnership by dismissing Conway for 45. However, the fall of that wicket didn’t halt New Zealand’s progress. Daryl Mitchell accelerated the innings, adding to the scoring rate. He marked his intent with a six off Shakib, and Williamson followed suit with a remarkable six over long-on. Williamson’s departure with cramps didn’t disrupt New Zealand’s stride, as Mitchell continued to aggressively attack Bangladesh’s bowling.

Mitchell ended his innings unbeaten on 89 from 67 balls, with six fours and four sixes, guiding New Zealand to victory in the 43rd over.

Litton Walked Back in the Very First Ball

Earlier in the match, when New Zealand opted to field, Bangladesh faced a familiar top-order collapse. Litton Das fell on the first ball of the innings, attempting to clip a Trent Boult delivery but only finding Matt Henry at fine-leg. It was a well-timed shot, but the angle was challenging, resulting in a straightforward catch.

Tanzid Hasan, paired with Mehidy Hasan Miraz, produced a few boundaries before departing for 16 with a soft dismissal, chipping a catch to short square-leg in the eighth over. Soon after, Mehidy, who struck three delightful cover drives, fell to Lockie Ferguson, attempting to pull a ball but managing to hit his stumps.

Glenn Philips dismissed in-form Najmul Hossain Shanto for 9, reducing Bangladesh to 56 for 4. However, Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim’s experienced partnership revived Bangladesh’s innings. They combined for a 96-run partnership at a brisk pace, pressing back against New Zealand’s bowling.

Mushfiqur played some impressive shots during his half-century. Shakib joined the scoring frenzy, smashing multiple boundaries and a six. Mushfiqur’s demise occurred after he reached his fifty, bowled by a low delivery from Henry. Shakib also departed while attempting to slog a fast bowler.

Mushfiqur Rahim, coming in to rebuild Bangladesh’s innings, battled hard before a Henry delivery that kept low dismissed him. Despite a valiant effort by Mahmudullah, who batted in the No. 8 position for the first time in 13 years and remained unbeaten on 41, Bangladesh managed only a subpar total of 245 for 9.