Rawalpindi [Pakistan]: New Zealand secured their place in the semifinals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a five-wicket win over Bangladesh at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday, powered by a superb century from all-rounder Rachin Ravindra and a crucial half-century by Tom Latham.
With this win, the Kiwis, alongside India, advanced to the semifinals after winning their first two group-stage matches. Bangladesh and Pakistan, each with two losses and just one match remaining, are out of the competition.
Bangladesh’s Innings:
Opting to bowl first, New Zealand’s decision paid off despite a positive start from Bangladesh openers Tanzid Hasan (24) and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (77). Michael Bracewell spearheaded the Kiwi bowling attack with figures of 4/26 in his 10 overs, dismantling Bangladesh’s middle order.
Shanto’s patient 77 (110 balls, 9 fours) was the standout performance for Bangladesh, supported by Jaker Ali’s 45 (55 balls) and brief cameos from Rishad Hossain (26) and Taskin Ahmed (10). Despite partnerships that pushed them to 236/9 in 50 overs, Bangladesh struggled to build lasting stands.
New Zealand’s Run Chase:
New Zealand’s chase of 237 got off to a shaky start, losing Will Young (0) and Kane Williamson (5) early. However, Rachin Ravindra (112 off 105 balls, 12 fours, 1 six) and Devon Conway (30) steadied the innings with a 57-run stand before Conway’s dismissal.
Ravindra, who brought up his fifty in 50 balls, continued to dominate the spinners, racing to his century in 95 deliveries. His knock made him the New Zealander with the most ICC tournament centuries (4), having scored on both his World Cup and Champions Trophy debuts.
Tom Latham’s composed 55 (76 balls) supported Ravindra in a 129-run partnership that anchored the chase. Despite late wickets, Glenn Phillips (21*) and Michael Bracewell (11*) guided New Zealand home with 23 balls to spare.
Brief Scores:
- Bangladesh: 236/9 (Najmul Hossain Shanto 77, Jaker Ali 45; Michael Bracewell 4/26)
- New Zealand: 237/5 in 46.1 overs (Rachin Ravindra 112, Tom Latham 55; Nahid Rana 1/43)
New Zealand’s clinical performance secured their semifinal spot, with Ravindra’s heroics and Bracewell’s bowling proving pivotal in the victory.