Rawalpindi [Pakistan]: New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner expressed delight following his team’s five-wicket win over Bangladesh in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which secured the Kiwis a spot in the semifinals.
Santner praised Rachin Ravindra for his match-winning century and Michael Bracewell for his decisive four-wicket haul that restricted Bangladesh to 236/9. With two wins in two matches, both New Zealand and India have sealed semifinal berths, while Bangladesh and Pakistan are eliminated after two consecutive losses.
“Feels nice to qualify. We knew Bangladesh would be a challenge,” said Santner post-match. “The way we pulled things back with the ball was amazing.”
Santner was particularly impressed with Bracewell’s middle-overs impact. “Hard to take middle-overs wickets in ODIs and Bracewell was amazing. He’s become a quality bowler, changing his pace effectively on these wickets,” he noted.
Speaking about Ravindra’s record-breaking 112-run innings, Santner said, “He is doing Rachin things, I guess. He loves ICC events. Even though he wasn’t as fluid early on, once he gets going, he’s tough to stop. His partnerships today were crucial.”
Looking ahead to their final group match against India on March 2, Santner commented, “It will be a different challenge on a different surface. Might be slower.”
Match Highlights:
- Bangladesh Innings: Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto led with 77 (110 balls, 9 fours), supported by Jaker Ali’s 45. Bracewell shone with 4/26, while William O’Rourke chipped in with two wickets.
- New Zealand’s Chase: Despite an early wobble at 15/2, Ravindra’s 112 and partnerships with Devon Conway (57-run stand) and Tom Latham (129-run stand) set the platform for a comfortable finish. Glenn Phillips (21*) and Bracewell (11*) sealed the win with 23 balls to spare.
Bracewell was named Player of the Match for his impactful spell that set the tone for New Zealand’s successful chase.