Foxes World Cup latest

Grant Elliott and New Zealand marched into the ICC World Cup quarter-finals with a 100% record following a tense three-wicket win against Bangladesh.

Elliott took 2-27 off two overs as Bangladesh posted a competitive 288-7 at Hamilton thanks in large to 128 not out from in-form Mahmudullah.

A superb century from Martin Guptill set the Kiwis on their way and when the opener was out, Elliott hit 39 off 34 balls batting at five, including five fours and a six, to ensure New Zealand remained in a strong position.

Bangladesh kept chipping away with wickets at important times to keep the game in the balance. Former Leicestershire all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was the star turn, snaring 4-55.

The sign of a good side is that different people step up to win games and bowling duo Daniel Vettori and Tim Southee held their nerve towards the end as New Zealand landed a sixth consecutive win.

Niall O’Brien’s last Pool B game with Ireland became winner takes all in nature after West Indies beat United Arab Emirates.

The amount of victories was the first deciding factor if teams finished level on points, and the Windies were tied on three wins with Ireland and Pakistan before the final group fixture got underway.

That brought net run rate into play and given West Indies were ahead of Ireland in that department, it meant that O'Brien amd his teammates needed some tangible reward against Pakistan. In effect that amounted to a win unless weather intervened or the match finished as an unlikely tie.

Sadly Ireland's adventure came to an end as Pakistan landed a seven-wicket victory at the Adelaide Oval. Skipper Will Porterfield hit a terrific 107 as Ireland set Pakistan 238 to win. Leicestershire’s Niall O’Brien made 12 after going in at number four.

Sarfraz Ahmed led the chase with a well-paced unbeaten 101 as Pakistan set up a quarter-final tie with Australia. West Indies will attempt to be the first team to beat New Zealand.

Ireland made lots of memories and plenty of friends in the competition, so they can be proud of their achievements despite their heartache at the final hurdle.

Rob Taylor picked up the prized scalp of Aaron Finch in Scotland’s last game of the tournament but Australia eased to a seven-wicket success at Hobart.

Scotland were bowled out for 130 as the new ball attack of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins proved too much. The pacemen shared seven wickets in a fine display of bowling.

Unfortunately Taylor was dismissed without scoring but he did claim the wicket of dangerman Finch courtesy of a brilliant catch by Freddie Coleman. The County all-rounder finished with respectable figures of 1-29 off five overs.              

Michael Clarke top-scored with 47 as the joint hosts, who were conscious that rain could affect the outcome, won inside 16 overs.