Bracewell’s 4-wicket haul helps New Zealand restrict Bangladesh to 236/9  

Michael Bracewell’s superb four-wicket haul helped New Zealand restrict Bangladesh to 236/9 in the sixth match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday. 

The Kiwi bowlers put up a disciplined performance after their captain, Mitchell Santner, opted to bowl first, making the most of the conditions.

 Bangladesh started their innings on a steady note, with openers Najmul Hossain Shanto and Tanzid Hasan built a 45-run stand. 

However, Tanzid’s dismissal in the ninth over triggered a phase where wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals. 

By the 27th over, Bangladesh was struggling at 118/5, with Shanto holding one end.

 Shanto, who played a crucial anchoring role, found some much-needed support from middle-order batter Jaker Ali.

 Jaker, who had scored a century against India in Bangladesh’s campaign opener, once again played a responsible knock. 

The duo added 45 runs for the sixth wicket before Shanto was dismissed by Will O'Rourke in the 38th over.

 Shanto remained Bangladesh’s top scorer, making 77 off 110 balls, including nine boundaries.

 Jaker continued to guide Bangladesh’s innings until the penultimate over, scoring an important 45 off 55 deliveries, lacing with three fours and a six. He was also part of a handy 33-run stand with Rishad Hossain, who contributed 26 off 25 balls. Taskin Ahmed chipped in with a late 10-run cameo off 20 balls.

 New Zealand’s bowlers kept the pressure on throughout, with Bracewell emerging as the standout performer, claiming four wickets for just 26 runs in his 10-over spell. O’Rourke provided strong support with two wickets, while Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson took one wicket each.

Earlier, New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner won the toss and chose to bowl against Bangladesh on Monday in Rawalpindi as the Black Caps look to seal a place in the Champions Trophy semi-finals.

A win for New Zealand would also knock Bangladesh and hosts Pakistan out in the group phase of the 50-over tournament. India would go through with the Black Caps.

New Zealand won the opening match of the competition against Pakistan, who then lost to India on Sunday to be on the brink of an early exit.

New Zealand made two changes, bringing in fast bowler Kyle Jamieson and batter Rachin Ravindra on a pitch which is expected to be batting-friendly.

Ravindra, a left-handed batsman and spinner, has recovered from a nasty hit on the forehead in a recent tri-series match.

Bangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, need a win to stay alive in the eight-nation tournament after they went down to India in their first match.

They made two changes with senior batsman Mahmudullah and fast bowler Nahid Rana coming in for Soumya Sarkar and Tanzim Sakib.

The top two teams from each of the two groups move into the semi-finals.

Teams

Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman

New Zealand: Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (capt), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will O'Rourke

Umpires: Ahsan Raza (PAK), Kumar Dharmasena (SRI)

TV Umpire: Rod Tucker (AUS)

Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI)

Both teams have had contrasting starts to their tournament campaigns. 

While New Zealand is safely placed after beginning their journey with a dominant 60-run victory over the defending champions, Pakistan, giving them a strong foundation. A win against Bangladesh today will almost guarantee them spot in the semifinals.

While Bangladesh, on the other hand, suffered a six-wicket defeat at the hands of India, which is termed as favourite to win the tournament. 

With their chances of progression hanging by a thread, Bangladesh must win this crucial encounter to keep their hopes alive.

A loss would likely lead to elimination from the tournament.