That though is it from us for today, though be sure to join us tomorrow for the big one as India take on Pakistan. The game will begin at 2pm but comms will be live from about an hour prior to that. Don't think anyone will need much convincing to tune in for that, but until then on behalf Ekanth and the rest of the team, this is Madushka signing out!
10pm So then New Zealand's perfect start continues as they make it three wins in three. Takes them to the top of the table though they have played a game more than everyone else barring Bangladesh. As for Bangladesh, they're now in sixth place with one win and two defeats. Their batting let them down again, so they will have their work cut out for them in terms of improvements going ahead.
Kane Williamson comes out with some protection on his thumb: "[on his finger] just got a bit fat and colourful straight away so got a scan tomorrow, but hopefully it's okay. [on the knee] it's okay, glad to get through the game from a knee perspective, but from a team perspective it was great as well. I thought the guys in the first half of the performance were excellent. They just banged the wicket hard, it was a bit variable. And then later it was nice to build those partnerships and take the game late. Midway through the powerplay we realised that we should hit the surface. Not a bad surface, and a really good competitive wicket. [on Lockie] He was outstanding. You come here expecting the spinners to play a big role, but the seamers did really well today. Lockie he just keeps running in, bowling at high pace and he hasn't had some of that good fortune, so thoroughly deserved. For both the seamers and the spinners. [getting back in the middle] It was nice to be out there and be a part of some of those partnerships, some tough periods with the new ball was hard work. But just wanted to build partnerships and get close to that target. [on Daryll Mitchell] He's a great competitor, makes valuable contributions more often than not, he's a team first guy and he's great to watch."
Time to hear from the captains. First up it's Najmul Shanto in place of the injured Shakib Al Hasan: "Shakib has gone for a scan after that we'll know more. We didn't bat well, same as the last match. We need to improve in the first 15 overs. There was a bit of extra bounce with the new ball but after that the wicket was quite. The top order needs to bat more responsibly. It was a good wicket, so we just needed to be a bit more responsible at the start. Last match we didn't bowl well but today everyone showed their character. If they continue like this it will be very good going forward. The biggest improvement is our fast bowling, if we bat well in the next few games it will be a different ball game."
Nitsy: "It's too early to judge NZ's performance considering their first four matches include BAN, AFG, NED which are the weakest teams in this tournament (mean no disrespect). " --- Conveniently omitting that England game? But yes, India and SA will be the big tests.
Tom: "When Boult said 250 is par total, he really meant it, but not with Bangladesh bowling, some other top team's bowling." --- I do think Bangladesh bowled quite well early on, but I agree that some other sides might offer a little more penetration - something that's crucial when defending a low score.
Lockie Ferguson is the Player of the Match: "It was a good team effort. Created pressure throughout, meant that I could do my role really. Compared to Hyderabad this had more bounce. I tried to test it out early with newer ball. But it was a good all-round performance by the boys. It's early stages, but it's certainly nice three wins. But a long way to go. [on experience in India] Yeah it's nice, haven't played here before though, so nice to see a bit of pace on the wicket, we have Afghanistan next so hope to see a similar wicket."
9.40pm So NZ chase these down comfortably in the end. Daryll Mitchell sees it through, and it would have likely been alongside Kane Williamson had he not had to retire hurt with what looked like a thumb injury. Glenn Phillips also offered some lusty blows at the death to add gloss to the finish. It was a chase that Bangladesh looked to make difficult at the start with some miserly bowling, but in Williamson they had a man who is rarely rushed. Along with first Conway and then Mitchell, he saw through a difficult period and then just ran down the runs with consummate ease. As for Bangladesh, they will rue losing their top order to some loose strokeplay. It meant a lot of work to the lower order, and in the end they were probably about 30-50 runs short.
Just one hit away now.
END OF OVER:42 | 13 Runs | NZ: 240/2 (6 runs required from 48 balls, RR: 5.71, RRR: 0.75)
- Glenn Phillips15 (8b)
- Daryl Mitchell82 (65b)
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz9-0-58-0
- Mustafizur Rahman8-0-36-1
Rajkumar Lingav: "Table topping pendulum is swinging up and down between SA, NZ, IND and PAK." --- Would go as far as to say, barring some truly unexpected results, three of those are locked in.
Mini break as Mitchell gets some treatment for what looks like cramps. Gets some much-needed hydration too.
Naveen: "They way D Mitchell has been playing this world cup he might end up being man of the series." --- Decent shout but seems to be a pretty hotly contested award so far.
END OF OVER:41 | 6 Runs | NZ: 227/2 (19 runs required from 54 balls, RR: 5.53, RRR: 2.11)
- Daryl Mitchell76 (62b)
- Glenn Phillips8 (5b)
- Mustafizur Rahman8-0-36-1
- Taskin Ahmed8-0-56-0
Sensonga: "No one is talking abt this innings by Mitchell. Looks like he's batting on another pitch." --- Such a consistent performer too.