Southee, Guptill glad for Tigers test

New Zealand

New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee believes that their tough final World Cup group match against Bangladesh was just what the team needed ahead of the knock-out stages of the global tournament.

The Black Caps prevailed by three wickets of a spirited Tigers side that fought right until the end. The Asian team batted first and scored 288 for seven in their 50 overs. The home side stuttered, but thanks to a Martin Guptill century beat the visitors with seven balls to spare.

The Black Caps have won all six of their group matches and qualify for the quarterfinals in first place, now they will be waiting to see who they will play.

Southee said: "It just shows that we've found another way to win a game of cricket. It's testament to the side, we were challenged in different ways and we came through with another two points."

Opener Guptill, who scored his first ODI century since January last year, said he just made the most of things going his way throughout the day.

Gutill said: "It wasn't a great time but I got through it. It was no excuse [for the dismissal]. It was one of those days where everything went in the gap and I scored quite freely.
 
"Those days are few and far between so you've got to make the most of them. I've always felt like I've been just around the corner the whole summer but it was nice that everything clicked together."

2015-world-cup latest-news New Zealand

Latest