NZ vs BAN: New Zealand grabbed a crucial 5-wicket win over Bangladesh in an ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Group A game that was held at Rawalpindi Stadium, confirming their semi-final spot. With this win NZ went into Semi-finals though knocked both Bangladesh and Pakistan out of the tournament. With 4 wickets in 10 overs for just 26 runs, Michael Bracewell won the Player of the Match award.
New Zealand’s Convincing Chase Assures Semi-Final Qualification
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Following an invitation to bat first by New Zealand’s captain Mitchell Santner, Bangladesh found it difficult to establish partnerships and managed to score only 236/9 in their 50 overs. Even though their captain Nazmul Hasan Shanto contributed a gritty 77, Bangladesh’s batting was unimpressive and inconsistent.
New Zealand took light of the pursuit, scoring the target with 23 balls remaining, losing only 5 wickets along the way. The easy win ensured the Kiwis reached the semi-finals, a key highlight in their Champions Trophy campaign.
Rachin Ravindra’s Stellar Century Leads New Zealand’s Chase
The match’s pick of the day was Rachin Ravindra, who impressed with a stunning century on his first ICC Champions Trophy outing. Ravindra’s 112 off 105 balls with 12 boundaries and 1 six was the cornerstone of New Zealand’s winning chase.
This was his fourth century in ODIs, and all have come at ICC events; a testament to his ability to do it on the big occasion, making Ravindra now the New Zealand player with the most centuries in ICC competitions.
Latham contributed 55 runs from 76 balls before being dismissed soon after. Together they pushed their team comfortably towards the target and by doing so secured their place in the semifinals with authority.
Bangladesh Struggles with the Bat
Bangladesh’s batting was poor, with the only real form coming from captain Nazmul Hasan Shanto. Shanto’s 77 from 110 deliveries was the team’s top score, but he did not receive enough support from the rest of the batsmen.
Zaker Ali (45) and Rishad Hussain (26) attempted to make a difference, but it was not enough to put together a competitive total.
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Bangladesh posted a target of 236 runs with a loss of nine wickets, a figure that never seemed to present a challenge, considering the potency and form of New Zealand’s batting lineup. Bangladesh’s inabilities to forge meaningful partnerships and seize the initiative at the right time surely hurt their chances gravely in this crucial match.
New Zealand’s Bowlers Brilliance Bangladesh Batting
Shining bright upon the New Zealand bowling attack was Michael Bracewell, the legitimate star of the day. He took four wickets for 26 runs in 10 overs, ripping through the Bangladesh middle order with a lethal mix of control and a limited performance that could be highlighted by the farthest from major partnerships.
William O’Rourke with two wickets and one wicket apiece to Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson supported Bracewell’s efforts. The New Zealand bowlers exercised impressive discipline that ensured Bangladesh was not in a position to put together a total that would have evoked some serious worry.
Implications for Group A: Bangladesh and Pakistan Elimination
New Zealand’s 2nd victory not only booked their place in the semi-finals but also knocked Bangladesh and Pakistan out of the tournament. Neither team has been able to win a game in the group thus far, and with Bangladesh playing Pakistan in their remaining group match, it will be nothing more than a consolation match with no bearing on the qualification table.
India, winners of both their games to date, are already assured of a place in the semi-finals and will play New Zealand in their last group match on March 2 in Dubai. The victor in that contest will secure the top spot in the group, promising an exciting finish to the group stages.
Bangladesh and Pakistan’s Disappointment
It is unfortunate that Bangladesh’s run in the tournament has come to an end early, considering that they were a much stronger team coming into the competition. The batting failure during crucial moments proved detrimental, and it will be time for them to reflect on their performance and attempt to come back stronger in subsequent ICC events.
Similarly, the hopes of Pakistan to be in the semi-finals have been scuttled, with poor performances throughout leaving plenty to ponder over.
New Zealand’s March Towards the Semi-Finals
New Zealand, though, will be thrilled with its performance. Its thumping win over Bangladesh not only booked its semi-final berth but also sent a clear message to the rest of the tournament’s teams. The Kiwis will now turn their attention to the knockout stages, hoping to continue their fine form and push towards the ultimate objective of lifting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
In summary, New Zealand’s convincing win over Bangladesh has paved the way for an enthralling end to Group A, with New Zealand and India now fighting for honors. Bangladesh and Pakistan will rue their premature exits, while New Zealand hopes to carry their momentum forward in their quest for Champions Trophy triumph.
ALSO READ: Champions Trophy 2025: Kuldeep Yadav’s Spin Masterclass In IND vs PAK
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