New Zealand tri-series: Bracewell’s spell, Conway’s run-chase special wins it for Black Caps

New Zealand team celebrating [PC: Twitter]

New Zealand registered their opening points of the ongoing tri-series by consigning Bangladesh to their second defeat in succession. Stock spinner Michael Bracewell and wicketkeeper-batsman Devon Conway were the stars of the show, as they helped the Black Caps to shrug off their opening loss to Pakistan.

NZ tri-series 2022: Devon Conway steers NZ to an easy win

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and invited his guests to bat upfront. Bangladesh, boosted by the return of Shakib Al Hasan, struggled to get the scoreboard ticking from the outset by losing too many wickets for comfort.

Opener Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scored in the innings with a sluggish 33 at the top. Comeback man Hasan himself compiled a run-a-ball 16 before becoming the second of Tim Southee’s two victims of the evening. Nurul Hasan turbo-charged the innings in the death overs with a 12-ball 25*, as Bangladesh crawled their way to 137-8.

As many as four Kiwi bowlers, namely Southee, Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell and Ish Sodhi finished their spells with two wickets apiece. Bracewell was the pick of the four as he tightened the lid on Bangladesh’s scoring rate, conceding just 14 off his four overs.

New Zealand’s run-chase launched with intent, despite losing opener Finn Allen within the powerplay. His partner Devon Conway crafted an imperial boundary-laden 70 as he guided his side past the finishing line. Captain Williamson scored 30 off the 85-run stand he formed with Conway.

Glenn Phillips delivered the knockout punch at the end, whacking 23* off just nine balls, a cameo that featured twin sixes to finish off the proceedings.

Brief scores:

Bangladesh: 137-8 (20)

Najmul Hossain Shanto 33 (29), Nurul Hasan 25* (12)

Michael Bracewell 2-14, Trent Boult 2-25

New Zealand: 142-2 (17.5)

Devon Conway 70* (51), Kane Williamson 30 (29)

Hasan Mahmud 1-26, Shoriful Islam 1-39

New Zealand won by eight wickets

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