A low scoring contest between New Zealand and Bangladesh ended in the favor of White Ferns as Sophie Devine and co. managed to seal a 17-run win over the Asian team on Saturday at Melbourne.
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, New Zealand had a poor run with the bat as they were done and dusted for 91 in 18.2 overs. Apart from the top four, none of the other batters reached a double-digit mark, courtesy some disciplined bowling effort from Bangladesh. Wicket-keeper Rachel Priest top-scored with 25 (32), but failed to capitalize on the start. With the ball, right-arm quick Ritu Moni wreaked havoc as she finished off with brilliant figures of 4-18 in her four overs. Skipper Salma Khatun bowled well in tandem with Moni to pick up 3-7 in her 2.2. overs and received good support from Rumana Ahmed who scalped 2-17 in her four.
Chasing a modest 92, Bangladesh would have fancied their chances against the White Ferns. However, the New Zealanders, who are determined to make it to the semi-finals could not afford to let loose and came back strong in the second half of the match to bundle out their opposition for 74 in 19.5 overs, thus, winning the game and two important points by 17 runs. With the bat, wicket-keeper Nigar Sultana was the highest scorer for her team with 21 (26), but she failed to carry on the start to see her team through. Hayley Jensen, who has had a fantastic outing with the ball so far in this World T20 starred with 3-11 in her four overs. Opening the bowling, office Leigh Kasperek struck with 3-23 in her 3.5, to ensure that her team defended a paltry 92.
New Zealand win by 17 Runs.
Low scoring encounter and @WHITE_FERNS keep their calm and emerge victorious.
Excellent captaincy and bowling by New Zealand.#NZvBAN #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/54FCRMqwFU
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) February 29, 2020
With this win, the clash of the Trans-Tasmanian rivals on Monday will be the do or die game for both the sides as the winner of the two will join India in the train to semi-finals. Bangladesh, on the other hand, would have expected a better outing at the World T20, but the tigresses have so far, failed to pocket a win in the three matches they have played. The Asian team will lock horns against its counterpart Sri Lanka on Monday at Melbourne, a match that will just be of academic interest.
Who do you think will join India in Group A for the Semi-Finals? #T20WorldCup #TeamIndia #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/xrqVEkF0OF
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) February 29, 2020
Loves all things female cricket