Rachin Ravindra‘s brilliant century guided New Zealand to reach the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 after defeating Bangladesh in the sixth match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.
New Zealand secured their place in the semi-finals after successfully chasing a 237-run target against Bangladesh in their crucial group-stage match. The victory also confirmed Pakistan’s elimination from the tournament.
Batting first, Bangladesh set a target of 237 runs, hoping to keep their semi-final hopes alive. However, New Zealand showcased a composed batting display, reaching the target with five wickets in hand. The win ensured that the Kiwis progressed to the next stage alongside India from Group A, while both Pakistan and Bangladesh were knocked out.
With this result, Pakistan’s final group match against Bangladesh on February 27 in Rawalpindi has now become a mere formality, as neither team has a chance to advance further.
Following Pakistan’s defeat against India yesterday, the team’s hopes of progressing hinged on multiple scenarios.
For Pakistan to stay in contention, New Zealand needed to lose both of their remaining matches while the Green Shirts had to secure a massive victory against Bangladesh on February 27 in Rawalpindi.
However, New Zealand’s win against Bangladesh sealed Pakistan’s fate, making their final group match inconsequential.
Now, Pakistan will play their last group-stage fixture against Bangladesh on February 27 at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, a match that will serve merely as a formality since both teams have failed to qualify for the next round. From Group A, India and New Zealand have advanced to the semi-finals.
After returning from an injury, Rachin Ravindra was the star of the show striking 112 runs in the chase.
Bangladesh struck early with in-form New Zealand opener Will Young’s wicket in the first over. Taskin Ahmed bowled a beautiful delivery to get rid of the batter on a duck.
New Zealand stalwart Kane Williamson (5) joined Devon Conway (30) at the crease following his wicket.
However, Kane’s stay at the crease was short as pacer Nahid Rana struck in the third over to jolt the Black Caps.
After early trouble, Ravindra came to the crease and forged a crucial 57-run partnership. Devon Conway looked promising before being bowled out in the 15th over, leaving New Zealand on the score of 72-3.
However, Ravindra’s resilience and brilliant stroke play kept the team out of trouble, keeping Bangladesh bowlers at bay. He put on a 129 (136) stand on the fourth wicket with Tom Latham.
He scored his 4th ODI century before departing on 112 runs off 105 balls. The left-hander’s calm and composed innings included 12 fours and one six.
New Zealand were 201-4 in 38 overs and required only 36 runs after his departure.
Tom Latham was run out in the 41st over after scoring 55 runs off 76 deliveries, laced with three four. But it was too little too late for Bangladesh. Glenn Phillips (21*) formed a partnership with 26 runs on the sixth wicket with Michael Bracewell.
The duo finished the job for New Zealand as they reached the target with 23 deliveries to spare.
For Bangladesh, Rishad Hossain, Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rehman, and Taskin Ahmed picked up a wicket each.
Earlier, Michael Bracewell’s superb four-wicket haul helped New Zealand restrict Bangladesh to 236/9.
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 building 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.