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WT20: New Zealand beats Bangladesh for 4th straight win

For them, Saturday’s fourth and final Group 2 match in Kolkata is a chance to make a happier exit to what has been a vexed tournament.

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Mustafizur Rahman took a five-wicket haul to derail the New Zealand innings at the Eden Gardens.

New Zealand topped the group with eight points from four victories after earlier beating hosts India, Australia and Pakistan.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson was awarded man of the match.

Bangladesh’s reply started badly with the in-form Tamim Iqbal run out for three in the second over, and while Mohammad Mithun and Sabbir Rahman struck fours in Mitchell Santner’s fifth over, that’s about as good as it would get for the Tigers.

Even without them, though, they appeared poised to inflict a major setback on India two days ago – when they needed just two runs from the final three deliveries, chasing 146 for seven in Bangalore.

A humiliating exit for the runners’ up of the last edition who made their lowest T20 total of 70 and the lowest of the tournament.

However, it means that New Zealand go into the last four in good heart, with skipper Kane Williamson beginning to find form after scoring a brisk 42 off 32 balls at the top of the order.

Once Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi and Grant Elliott got going, Bangladesh stared in bewilderment as the slow bowlers showcased their expertise and left them broke.

Colin Munro had been warming up for his first substantial knock of the tournament.

New Zealand had played their first three Super 10s matches at three different venues and had read all those conditions perfectly.

Taylor was on nine when he was dropped by Al-Amin Hossain at deep square leg in the 16th over before Rahman bowled an eventful last over of the innings. Nicholls replaced Martin Guptill, who was given some rest before the semi-finals.

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According to the worldwide calendar, Bangladesh does not have any more T20Is this year and their next T20I games are against New Zealand in January 2017. Shakib then thought he had trapped Colin Munro in front, but umpire Johan Cloete ruled in favour of the batsman and replays later revealed that Bangladesh’s disappointment was justified. Meanwhile, Ross Taylor had a lucky break, put down by Al-Amin at deep mid-wicket, as Mortaza was denied a wicket.

World T20 New Zealand thrash Bangladesh to keep 100 per cent record