RAWALPINDI: New Zealand secured their spot in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals with a commanding five-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the sixth group-stage match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.
Rachin Ravindra’s brilliant century and Tom Latham’s composed half-century guided the Kiwis to a comfortable chase of Bangladesh’s 236-run target.
Rachin Ravindra’s brilliant century
Rachin Ravindra’s brilliant century has put New Zealand in a strong position as they are chasing Bangladesh’s modest target of 236 in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 group-stage match.
Ravindra’s knock comes at a crucial time for the Kiwis, after the early dismissal of captain Kane Williamson.
With many teams in transition, New Zealand has shown that their next generation is more than capable of handling pressure on the big stage.
Ravindra, who stepped in at a precarious 15 for 2, has not only anchored the innings but also played with confidence, demonstrating his maturity in the process.
His century has put New Zealand firmly on course to secure a place in the semi-finals.
New Zealand on track to semi-final
New Zealand are on track to secure a semi-final spot in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with their chase of Bangladesh’s modest target of 236 progressing smoothly.
At 164 for 3 in 32.1 overs, Ravindra is closing in on his century, having already dazzled with a match-winning performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
His partnership with Tom Latham has steadied the innings after early setbacks, as New Zealand looks set to reach their target with ease.
Despite early breakthroughs from Bangladesh, New Zealand’s batters have shown resilience in their chase of the 236-run target.
The Kiwis were under pressure after losing three early wickets, including the dismissals of Devon Conway and Kane Williamson, but Ravindra’s composed knock has led the charge.
Ravindra, who is just 10 runs away from his century, has once again proved himself a big-match player. His knock, combined with Latham’s anchoring role, has lifted New Zealand to a strong position. Ravindra had previously lit up the 2023 ODI World Cup with a century and is now replicating that form in this crucial match.
Earlier, Bangladesh had posted a modest total of 236/9, thanks to a valiant 77 from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and a late cameo from Jaker Ali.
However, Michael Bracewell’s career-best figures of 4-26 were the highlight for New Zealand, as he dismantled Bangladesh’s middle-order to limit their score.
With New Zealand well on their way to victory, they will be hoping to secure a semi-final berth, while Bangladesh, already with one loss in the tournament, face a must-win situation to stay alive.
New Zealand lose Conway
New Zealand are steady in their chase of Bangladesh’s modest target of 236 in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 group-stage match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.
At 72 for 3 in 15.3 overs, the Kiwis are under significant pressure following early breakthroughs from Bangladesh’s bowlers.
Devon Conway, who had been steady at the crease, was dismissed by Mustafizur Rahman, adding to New Zealand’s woes.
Earlier, Bangladesh had struck early, reducing New Zealand to a perilous 15 for 2 in just 3.4 overs.
Taskin Ahmed got the ball rolling in the first over, sending Will Young back to the pavilion for a duck with a stunning delivery that edged his bat. In the very next over, Mushfiqur Rahim joined in, dismissing New
Zealand captain Kane Williamson for just 5, as the ball found the stumps after beating the batsman.
Bangladesh’s sharp start to the fielding innings has made the target of 236 appear more challenging than initially expected.
With the top-order rattled, the Bangladesh bowlers have capitalised on the early breakthroughs, and the pressure is mounting on New Zealand.
Bangladesh set 236-run target
Bangladesh posted a modest total of 236 runs in their crucial ICC Champions Trophy 2025 group-stage match against New Zealand at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday, courtesy of skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto’s composed 77 and Jaker Ali’s valuable contribution in the death overs.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner’s decision to bowl first proved effective, as his bowlers kept Bangladesh in check throughout the innings.
Michael Bracewell was the standout performer, claiming an impressive four-wicket haul for just 26 runs in his 10 overs, dismantling Bangladesh’s middle order.
Bangladesh got off to a steady start, with openers Najmul Hossain Shanto and Tanzid Hasan putting together a 45-run stand.
However, the breakthrough came in the ninth over when Bracewell removed Tanzid for 24 off 24 balls. Mehidy Hasan Miraz (13) was next to depart, leaving Bangladesh at 64 for 2 in 12 overs.
Tawhid Hridoy’s arrival did little to stabilise the innings, as he fell cheaply to Bracewell for just 7, reducing Bangladesh to 97 for 3.
The experienced duo of Mushfiqur Rahim (2) and Mahmudullah (5) also perished quickly, both victims of Bracewell’s disciplined bowling, as Bangladesh found themselves struggling at 118 for 5 in the 26th over.
Shanto, standing firm at one end, found some much-needed support in Jaker Ali. The pair built a crucial 45-run partnership for the sixth wicket, helping Bangladesh cross the 150-run mark.
However, the resistance ended when Shanto was dismissed by Will O’Rourke in the 38th over, having played a well-constructed innings of 77 off 110 balls, featuring nine boundaries.
Jaker continued to hold the innings together, adding 33 runs with Rishad Hossain, who made a useful 26 off 25 deliveries.
Jaker’s crucial knock of 45 off 55 balls, including three fours and a six, ensured Bangladesh reached a respectable total before he was dismissed in the penultimate over.
Taskin Ahmed chipped in with a 10-run cameo off 20 balls to push the total to 236 for 9 in 50 overs.
For New Zealand, Bracewell’s four wickets were the highlight of the innings, while O’Rourke picked up two. Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson also made their presence felt, claiming a wicket each.
New Zealand, who started their Champions Trophy campaign with a dominant win over Pakistan on February 19, will now aim to chase down the target and secure a semi-final berth.
ALSO READ: Pakistan’s Defeat to India: Key Mistakes and Path to ICC Champions Trophy Semi-Finals
Bangladesh, having already lost to India in their opening match, face a must-win situation to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.
This match holds added significance for Pakistan, who rely heavily on the result for their own qualification chances. The defending champions will be hoping for a Bangladesh victory, which would enhance their prospects in the tournament. Bangladesh will next take on Pakistan on February 27 in their final group-stage fixture.
New Zealand Playing XI
Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham (WK), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santer (C), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rorke.
Bangladesh Playing XI
Najmul Hassan Shanto (C), Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehdy Miraz, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed.
