Kiwis and Tigers look for crucial success in Cardiff

NEW Zealand and Bangladesh go into their final group match of the ICC Champions Trophy in Cardiff today (10.30am), knowing even a victory may not be enough to see either of them reach the semi-finals.

Both teams have a point each after losing to England, while their respective matches with Australia ended in rain-induced no results.

If Australia beat England in their last group match at Edgbaston, both of those teams will be in the semifinals as they enjoy better net runrate.

So, both New Zealand and Bangladesh are hoping for an England victory against Australia, assuming rain does not disturb their calculations again.

Looking ahead to the game at the SSE SWALEC, Black Caps seamer Trent Boult said the impact of the new ball would be crucial.

“We all know the importance of getting wickets early in the innings and putting the team under pressure,” said Boult.

“We’re stacked with some quality, experienced players who are eager to make runs. It’s always a good thing to have. We can look to bat well on a quality wicket. Just hopefully the overheads (clouds) can clear away for us and we can get out there and have a good game.”

Yesterday, Sri Lanka executed a masterful run-chase to stun holders India with a seven-wicket Champions Trophy win at The Oval and throw Group B wide open.

Set 322 for victory after Shikhar Dhawan’s century, Danushka Gunathilaka (76) and Kusal Mendis (89) shared a stand of 159 before both were run out.

But Angelo Matthews (52 not out) and Asela Gunaratne (34 not out) saw their side to 322 for three with eight balls to spare.