Pakistan and New Zealand confirmed as finalists of tri-series

New Zealand and Pakistan have been confirmed as finalists of the tri-series after Blackcaps defeated Bangladesh by 48 runs today at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

On Friday, October 14, the home team will face Pakistan in the final match of the tri-nation series at the same venue.

Bangladesh ruled out of the race for the final after losing their first three games. Tomorrow's encounter between Bangladesh and Pakistan will therefore be meaningless.

New Zealand beat Pakistan by nine wickets on Tuesday. On Wednesday, they batted well again to set Bangladesh a target of 208, but the visitors only got to 160-7.

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Captain Kane Williamson was given the day off as New Zealand, led by Tim Southee, repeated Sunday's eight-wicket victory over Bangladesh to strengthen their World Cup chances.

New Zealand's opener Devon Conway smashed 64 off 40 balls, and his 45-run stand with Finn Allen, who reached 32 after a spectacular catch by Yasir Ali, set the tone.

Glenn Phillips, who was born in South Africa, delivered a man-of-the-match performance by scoring 60 runs off 24 balls to propel New Zealand to 208 runs with only five wickets lost.

Adam Milne, returning from an abdominal strain, clean-bowled Najmul Hossain Shanto, who scored 11 runs off 12 balls, in the fourth over for the Black Caps.

Najmul Hossain Shanto’s opening partner Liton Das was quickly caught off Martin Guptill off the bowling of Michael Bracewell, leaving Bangladesh on 47-2.

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan provided the most resistance with 70 runs off 40 balls, including eight fours.