That India defeated Pakistan was expected; that Pakistan would defeat Sri India and Sri Lanka would defeat India was much less expected! We are kept guessing about who will make the semi finals in Group B; meanwhile in Group A, things continue to be very interesting with an unexpected result from the match on Friday between New Zealand and Bangladesh. We take a look at the highlights of match 9 of ICC Champions Trophy 2017 and the stats after yesterday’s game.
Skipper Kane Williamson decided to bat first after winning the toss. Opener Martin Guptill made 33 off 35 and Luke Ronchi made 16 off 18. Williamson made 57 off 69 and Ross Taylor made 63 off 82.
New Zealand could only manage 265 for 8 from their 50 overs. Mosaddek Hossain with three wickets and Taskin Ahmed with two wickets were the most successful bowlers.
The top order collapsed – Tamim Iqbal departed without scoring, Soumya Sarkar made just 3, Sabbir Rahman made 8 and Mushfiqur Rahim made 14 runs.
However, Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmadullah then came and took charge; both making centuries (114 off 115 and 102* off 107 respectively) to steer their team to a comfortable win in the 48th over. Shakib Al Hasan received the man of the match award.
As a result of the shock loss and the previous loss against England (also partly because of the no result game against the Australians), the Kiwis are now out of the competition. Both previous matches of Australia were rained out and declared no result.
England face off against Australia today. It is be a big match not only because this is a historical and epic rivalry, but also because this match will determine which other Group A team goes through to the semifinal along with England (the only team that has qualified so far).
In Group B it is pretty much Even Stevens. Every team has won one and lost one match each and all four teams have 2 points each. Clarity will emerge from the India South Africa match on Sunday.
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