Rachin Ravindra's century powers New Zealand to semi-finals

Rachin Ravindra's brisk century and Michael Bracewell's brilliant four-wicket haul guided New Zealand to a dominant five-wicket victory over Bangladesh, securing their spot in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals alongside India.

Chasing a modest target of 237 runs, New Zealand successfully reached the target with 23 balls to spare, losing five wickets in the process. A key partnership between Ravindra and Tom Latham, who was in good form, played a vital role in their chase.

However, New Zealand had a difficult start, losing in-form Will Young for a duck and veteran Kane Williamson for just five runs in the first four overs, leaving the Blackcaps at 15/2. 

Ravindra, who was returning to the side, joined Devon Conway at the crease and helped steady the innings. The pair added 57 runs for the third wicket before Mustafizur Rahman dismissed Conway for 30 off 45 balls. 

Ravindra then partnered with Latham, and the duo put New Zealand in a commanding position with a 129-run partnership. Ravindra top-scored for New Zealand, making 112 off 105 balls, including 12 fours and a six, before being dismissed by Rishad Hossain in the 39th over. Latham also contributed a steady 55 runs from 76 balls, including three fours, before being dismissed in the 42nd over.

Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell ensured that there were no more hiccups in the chase. Phillips finished unbeaten on 21 off 28 balls, while Bracewell added 11 off 13 balls, leading New Zealand to a comfortable victory.

For Bangladesh, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Rahman, and Hossain each picked up one wicket. 

Earlier, New Zealand's captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and chose to bowl first, a decision that paid off as the Blackcaps’ bowlers restricted Bangladesh to a manageable total.

Bangladesh started well with openers Najmul Hossain Shanto and Tanzid Hasan putting together a 45-run partnership. However, wickets fell regularly, and Bangladesh was soon reduced to 118/5 in 26.1 overs, with Shanto still holding the fort.

Shanto, who had earlier shown resilience, added 45 runs for the sixth wicket with Jaker Ali. Shanto, who was the top scorer for Bangladesh, made a gutsy 77 from 110 balls, including nine fours, before being dismissed by Will O’Rourke in the 38th over.

Jaker Ali contributed 45 runs off 55 balls, with three fours and a six, before falling in the penultimate over. Rishad Hossain chipped in with 26 from 25 balls, and Taskin Ahmed added a late cameo with 10 runs off 20 balls.

Bracewell was the standout bowler for New Zealand, claiming four wickets for just 26 runs in his 10 overs. O’Rourke supported well with two wickets, while Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson each picked up one.

With this win, New Zealand joins India in the semi-finals, and Bangladesh’s hopes of progressing have come to an end.