RAWALPINDI: Rachin Ravindra’s superb century powered New Zealand to a commanding five-wicket victory over Bangladesh at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday, sealing their place in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals.
Tom Latham’s composed half-century and Michael Bracewell’s all-round brilliance further bolstered the Black Caps as they chased down Bangladesh’s 237-run target with ease.
This victory marked the Black Caps’ second consecutive win in the tournament, following their impressive opening match against the hosts, Pakistan, in Karachi on February 19. India is the other Group A team, that has also qualified for the Semis.
Following Bangladesh’s defeat in this match, the host Pakistan’s aspirations for the Champions Trophy title have come to an end, having suffered back-to-back losses in the group stage against New Zealand and India.
The final showdown for Pakistan in this tournament will be against Bangladesh on February 27 in Rawalpindi.
New Zealand got off to a shaky start when Young and Williamson went early at 15 runs on the board. TWM Latham and R Ravindra started steadily and accumulated made 129 runs of 136 balls, a partnerships that snatched the game away from Bangladesh.
Devon Conway 30 (45) and the finisher Glenn Phillips made 21 off 28.
Michael Bracewell woth his outstanding figures of 4/26 and contribution of 11* with the bat earned him man of the match.
Earlier, Bangladesh Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s resilient 77, coupled with Jaker Ali’s steadfast performance in the dying overs, propelled Bangladesh to a respectable target of 237 runs against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 group match, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.
The day was marked by Michael Bracewell’s impressive four-wicket haul, which played a pivotal role in restricting the Bangladeshi innings.
New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner’s choice to bowl first proved astute, as his bowlers collectively stifled the Bangladeshi batsmen, setting the stage for a manageable chase.
Bangladesh started their innings with promise, as the opening pair of Shanto and Tanzid Hasan forged a solid partnership of 45 runs, before Tanzid was dismissed in the ninth over.
However, the team soon found itself in trouble, losing wickets in quick succession, and at one point, they were reeling at 118 for 5 in the 26th over, with Shanto standing firm amid the chaos.
In a moment of celebration for New Zealand, Rachin Ravindra took a spectacular catch to dismiss Mushfiqur Rahim off Bracewell’s bowling, further deepening Bangladesh’s woes.
Shanto then found crucial support from middle-order batsman Jaker Ali, who had previously dazzled with a century against India in their opener.
Together, they added a vital 45 runs for the sixth wicket until Shanto fell prey to Will O’Rourke in the 38th over. Shanto’s gritty effort of 77 runs came off 110 balls, adorned with nine exquisite boundaries.
Jaker continued to steer the innings, remaining composed until the penultimate over, finishing with a commendable 45 runs from 55 balls, which included three fours and a six.
He also forged a valuable 33-run partnership with Rishad Hossain, who contributed a brisk 26 off 25 deliveries.
In the closing stages, Taskin Ahmed chipped in with a quick-fire 10 runs off 20 balls, adding vital runs to the total.
Bracewell emerged as the star of the New Zealand bowling attack, claiming four wickets for just 26 runs across his ten overs.
O’Rourke supported him with two scalps, while Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson each took one wicket, ensuring a tight grip on the match as they set their sights on chasing down Bangladesh’s target.
