Champions Trophy 2025 results: Rachin Ravindra guides New Zealand to victory over Bangladesh

Rachin Ravindra's outstanding performance helped New Zealand comfortably defeat Bangladesh by five wickets in Rawalpindi, thereby securing a spot in the Champions Trophy semi-finals. Ravindra, who missed the Black Caps' opening victory against Pakistan due to concussion, led the team to reach the target of 237 with 3.5 overs to spare, scoring 112 off 105 balls. His contribution was crucial for the team's success.

The chase started nervously, with opener Will Young falling to Taskin Ahmed in the first over, and Kane Williamson looking busy early on against the Bangladesh bowlers, but Ravindra and Devon Conway (30) weathered the pressure with a calm 57-run third-wicket partnership. Ravindra then partnered with wicketkeeper Tom Latham for 129 runs before getting out with only 36 runs needed for the win, Latham contributing a crucial 55, which laid the foundation for eliminating their opponents and hosts Pakistan and ensuring India's qualification from Group A. This partnership was instrumental in securing the victory.

Bangladesh were left to rue a wasted batting innings, in which eight of their nine wickets were caught in the outfield due to loose and unconvincing shot selections, with only captain Najmul Hossain Shanto's 77 and Jaker Ali's 45 offering any resistance. They had progressed steadily to 58-1 in the opening 10 overs, but then failed to recover from a collapse from 97-2 to 118-5, as left-arm spinner Michael Bracewell tore through the middle order with career-best ODI figures of 4-26. Their batting lineup needs improvement for future matches.

Bracewell, who was named player of the match, said he was delighted to contribute to the victory and secure the team's place in the next round. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto admitted the team had started well but lost too many wickets in the middle overs and expressed disappointment with the team's batting performance. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner praised the team's overall performance and gave special mention to Bracewell's excellent bowling and Ravindra's fine partnership with Tom Latham. These individual performances were key to New Zealand's success.

Bangladesh and Pakistan will both be hoping to end their Champions Trophy campaigns with some pride in their match in Rawalpindi on Thursday, February 27. New Zealand will face India on Sunday, March 3, to decide who will top Group A. Australia play South Africa in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, with the match starting at 9:00 GMT; both teams won their opening games against England and Afghanistan respectively and have their sights set on a semi-final spot. The upcoming matches promise exciting competition.