New Zealand 240 for 5 (Ravindra 112, Latham 55) beat Bangladesh 236 for 9 (Shanto 77, Bracewell 4-26, O’Rourke 2-40) by five wickets
As several teams undergo a transition phase, New Zealand has been proving throughout this Champions Trophy that their new generation is ready for the challenge. While Kane Williamson once carried the batting lineup, it seems Rachin Ravindra is now stepping up to take on that responsibility.
Ravindra played a crucial knock in an unfamiliar position, coming in at 15 for 2 and crafting a match-winning century. His unbeaten 112 not only sealed New Zealand’s spot in the semi-finals but also secured India’s progression while officially eliminating Pakistan and Bangladesh from the tournament.
Bangladesh Struggles Under Pressure
Najmul Hossain Shanto’s team needed a win to stay alive, but their batting performance lacked urgency. They started at nearly a run a ball but then slowed significantly, with 10 of the next 15 overs yielding three runs or fewer. The pressure led to the dismissals of experienced players Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah, who could only contribute six runs in this do-or-die match.
Shanto fought hard for his 77 off 110 deliveries, constantly adjusting to new partners as wickets kept falling around him. However, Bangladesh’s inability to rotate strike and build partnerships proved costly.
Ravindra’s Masterclass Under Pressure
Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana gave Bangladesh hope with an aggressive opening spell, dismissing Will Young in the first over and Williamson for a rare single-digit score. With the infield set aggressively and the crowd fired up, Ravindra walked in and demonstrated his class.
His elegant stroke play allowed him to find gaps effortlessly. Despite playing at No. 4—a role he took over from the unwell Daryl Mitchell—he made the most of the field restrictions, with his first five boundaries showcasing his impeccable timing.
Even after the field spread, Ravindra continued accumulating runs efficiently. His innings featured a brief moment of danger when a mix-up with Devon Conway nearly resulted in a run-out, but Bangladesh failed to capitalize on the opportunity.
New Zealand’s Fielding Excellence
New Zealand’s sharp fielding played a crucial role in their victory. Williamson took smart catches at short midwicket and cover, while Michael Bracewell sprinted 30 yards to complete a diving catch that showcased their commitment on the field.
Bangladesh, in contrast, struggled with strike rotation and decision-making. The sluggish pitch in the afternoon made shot placement difficult, but poor shot selection led to their downfall. Mahmudullah’s reckless charge down the track ended in a leading edge to cover, further denting Bangladesh’s hopes.
Bracewell’s off-spin proved pivotal, as he claimed 4 for 26 in his full quota of 10 overs. His disciplined bowling, combined with New Zealand’s suffocating field placements, restricted Bangladesh’s scoring opportunities.
New Zealand Clinches Victory with Composed Chase
Despite some late resistance from Bangladesh’s bowlers, New Zealand remained composed in their chase. Ravindra built crucial partnerships—57 runs with Conway and a match-defining 129-run stand with Tom Latham, who once again played his role as a middle-order stabilizer perfectly.
With the chase under control, New Zealand marched to victory, securing a spot in the semi-finals while leaving Bangladesh to reflect on missed opportunities and what could have been.
As the tournament progresses, New Zealand continues to establish itself as a formidable contender, proving that their next generation is more than ready to take on the big stage.
