Match Preview
New Zealand bagged a semi-final position by defeating Bangladesh with a comfortable five-wicket win in the 6th match of Group A of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 played on February 24, 2025, at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Playing on the attacking option, New Zealand kept Bangladesh limited to 236/9 from their allotted 50 overs. As a response, they chased down the target successfully in 46.1 overs at 240/5. The victory not only ensured New Zealand’s qualification but also guaranteed India’s qualification for the semi-finals, while also knocking out both Bangladesh and Pakistan from the tournament.
Bangladesh Batting Performance
The Bangladesh innings started promisingly with openers Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto contributing a 45-run stand. Shanto anchored the innings with a gritty 77 off 110 balls, inclusive of nine boundaries. But the middle order crumbled, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (13), Towhid Hridoy (7), and Mushfiqur Rahim (2) did not capitalize. Jaker Ali Anik scored a useful 45, and Rishad Hossain chipped in with 26 runs towards the end. The innings was plagued by 178 dot balls, reflecting struggles to rotate the strike and create momentum. Michael Bracewell was in control with the ball for New Zealand, taking 4 wickets for 26 runs, successfully holding back Bangladesh’s advance.
New Zealand Bowling Figures
Michael Bracewell: 10 overs, 26 runs, 4 wickets
William O’Rourke: 10 overs, 48 runs, 2 wickets
Matt Henry: 9 overs, 57 runs, 1 wicket
Kyle Jamieson: 9 overs, 48 runs, 1 wicket
Mitchell Santner: 10 overs, 44 runs, 0 wickets
Glenn Phillips: 2 overs, 10 runs, 0 wickets
New Zealand’s Chase
Pursuing 237, New Zealand lost early wickets with the hasty dismissals of Will Young (0) and Kane Williamson (5), and were 15/2. Rachin Ravindra then dominated, showing brilliant skill and calmness. He added a vital 129-run partnership with Tom Latham, who made a solid 55 off 76 balls. Ravindra’s excellent 112 from 105 balls, 12 fours, and a six, was the key in leading New Zealand to a win. Though there were a couple of late wickets, Glenn Phillips’ (21*) and Michael Bracewell’s (11*) inputs helped ease the target to an extent.
Bangladesh Bowling Figures
Taskin Ahmed: 7 overs, 28 runs, 1 wicket
Nahid Rana: 9 overs, 43 runs, 1 wicket
Mehidy Hasan Miraz: 10 overs, 53 runs, 0 wickets
Mustafizur Rahman: 9.1 overs, 44 runs, 1 wicket
Rishad Hossain: 10 overs, 48 runs, 1 wicket
Key Takeaways from the Match
New Zealand’s Qualification: The win assured New Zealand qualification for the semi-finals and India’s qualification, while Bangladesh and Pakistan were knocked out of the tournament.
Rachin Ravindra’s Century: Ravindra’s unflustered 112 while under pressure played a pivotal role in the chase success.
Michael Bracewell’s Bowling: Bracewell’s fine 4/26 was instrumental in limiting Bangladesh to a workable score.
Bangladesh’s Dot Ball Problem: The tally of 178 dot balls served to point out Bangladesh’s inability to develop momentum, or pick up where it left off, in their innings.
This all-around showing by New Zealand testifies to their preparedness as credible contenders in the tournament, and Bangladesh’s campaign ends with lessons to learn for future events.
