New Zealand continued their impressive run in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, as they defeated Bangladesh by 8 wickets in their third match at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Friday. The Kiwis chased down the target of 246 with 43 balls to spare, thanks to brilliant knocks from skipper Kane Williamson and all-rounder Daryl Mitchell.
## Bangladesh struggle against pace and spin
Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first, hoping to put up a big total on a slow and turning pitch. However, they were soon in trouble as Trent Boult and Matt Henry removed both the openers cheaply. Liton Das was caught behind for a duck, while Tamim Iqbal edged one to the keeper for 16.
The middle order tried to rebuild the innings, with Mushfiqur Rahim scoring a fluent 66 off 75 balls, and Shakib Al Hasan chipping in with 40 off 51 balls. However, they could not accelerate the scoring rate as New Zealand's bowlers kept a tight leash on them. Lockie Ferguson was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 for 49 in his 10 overs, while Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips also claimed one wicket each.
Mahmudullah provided some late fireworks with a 41-ball 41, but Bangladesh could only manage 245 for 9 in their 50 overs, which looked below par on a good batting surface.
## Williamson and Mitchell make light work of the chase
New Zealand's chase got off to a shaky start as they lost Rachin Ravindra for 9 in the fourth over, caught by Mahmudullah off Mustafizur Rahman. However, Devon Conway and Williamson steadied the ship with a 79-run stand for the second wicket. Conway played some elegant shots on both sides of the wicket, scoring 45 off 59 balls before he was trapped lbw by Shakib.
That brought Mitchell to the crease, who joined forces with Williamson to take the game away from Bangladesh. The duo added an unbeaten 160-run partnership for the third wicket, with both batsmen reaching their half-centuries. Mitchell was particularly aggressive, smashing six fours and four sixes in his 67-ball 89. Williamson played the anchor role, scoring 78 off 107 balls with eight fours and a six.
New Zealand reached their target in the 43rd over, sealing their third consecutive win in the tournament. They are now at the top of the table with six points, while Bangladesh are at fifth place with two points.
## Ferguson named Player of the Match
Ferguson was adjudged the Player of the Match for his superb bowling performance that restricted Bangladesh to a modest total. He said that he was happy to contribute to the team's victory and praised his fellow bowlers for their support.
"I'm very happy with how I bowled today. It was a good pitch to bowl on, there was some bounce and seam movement. I tried to bowl fast and hit good areas. The other bowlers also bowled really well, especially Trent and Matt who set the tone upfront. It was a great team effort and we're delighted with the win," he said.