Rachin Ravindra’s rapid century and Michael Bracewell’s splendid four-wicket haul helped New Zealand cruise to a comfortable five-wicket win against Bangladesh. The win ensures that the Blackcaps have qualified for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals in addition to India.
Set a modest 237, New Zealand comfortably reached the target with 23 balls to spare, losing five wickets in the chase. Ravindra and Tom Latham’s key partnership supported their successful run chase.
The Blackcaps were off to a shaky start when, in the first four overs, Will Young was out for a duck, and Kane Williamson only had five runs. New Zealand’s mettle was tested early with a shaky start of 15/2.
Ravindra, who returned to the lineup, helped steady the innings with Devon Conway with a 57-run third-wicket stand. But that partnership ended when Mustafizur Rahman got Conway to bark back for 30 off 45 balls.
Ravindra then partnered with Latham, and the duo put on a defining 129-run partnership to set the matchup. Ravindra’s 112 from 105 balls (12 fours, 1 six) was broken in the 39th over, and Latham made 55 from 76 before falling in the 42nd.
New Zealand cruised home as Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell ensured no drama in the chase. Phillips stayed not out with 21 from 28, Bracewell with 11 from 13, passing without a hitch.
Bangladesh’s bowlers had a hard time, with Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman and Rishad Hossain taking one wicket each. It wasn’t enough to defend the modest total.
New Zealand’s captain, Mitchell Santner, won the toss earlier and elected to bowl first, which proved fruitful. The Blackcaps’ bowlers held Bangladesh to a gettable score.
Bangladesh’s opening pair of Najmul Hossain Shanto and Tanzid Hasan got off to a good start with a 45-run partnership. However, regular wickets soon saw them wobbling at 118/5 after 26.1 overs.
Shanto continued, adding 45 in partnership for the sixth wicket with Jaker Ali. He was the only player to top score with a gritty 77 from 110 balls, nine of which were fours, before being dismissed by Will O’Rourke in the 38th over.
Jaker Ali made 45 from 55 deliveries — with three fours and a six — before he was out in the 49th over. Rishad Hossain scored 26 off 25 and Taskin Ahmed 10 off 20 to offer late resistance.
Bracewell took that opportunity with the ball, snaring four victims for 26 runs in 10 overs. O’Rourke took two, with Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson each contributing one.
This means New Zealand will now progress to the semi-finals alongside India, while Bangladesh will be eliminated. The Blackcaps’ balanced performance complements their performance in the tournament.
