Black Caps batters power hosts into tri-series final

The Black Caps have booked their berth in the final of the T20 tri-series in Christchurch.

Photo: PHOTOSPORT

A powerful batting effort led New Zealand to a 48-run win over Bangladesh on Wednesday.

The result ensured Bangladesh, who were still to play Pakistan on Thursday, could not make Friday’s final.

The Black Caps would play Pakistan in the series decider.

Despite losing the toss, the home side posted an impressive 208-5 on the back of standout knocks from Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips.

Conway again anchored the innings but also found the boundary with regularity, making 64 from just 40 balls.

Phillips’ innings was more brutal as he belted five sixes and two fours to get to 60 in an entertaining 24-ball stay.

Martin Guptill (34 off 27) and Finn Allen (32 off 19) also made good contributions as the top four batters did the job for the home side.

Bangladesh never truly threatened their imposing target of 209 as they finished at 160-7.

Returning fast bowler Adam Milne led the New Zealand bowling effort, bowling with pace and accuracy to finish with figures of 3-24 from his four overs.

Spinner Michael Bracewell and seamer Tim Southee complimented Milne with a pair of wickets each.

Veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan put his class on display to make a match-high 70 off 44 but was easily the pick of the Bangladesh batters.

Litton Das and Soumya Sarkar both made it to 23 as the next best for the visitors.