New Zealand secured a semi-final spot in the Champions Trophy with a five-wicket win over Bangladesh. Rachin Ravindra led the chase with a superb 112, guiding his team after an early collapse at 15 for 2. His innings, along with Tom Latham’s composed 55, ensured victory and also confirmed India’s progression while eliminating Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Bangladesh, needing a win to stay alive, struggled to pace their innings. Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scored with 77 off 110 balls but lacked support. Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah, with a combined 511 matches of experience, managed only six runs between them. Michael Bracewell’s off-spin dismantled the middle order, finishing with 4 for 26. New Zealand’s disciplined bowling effort, led by Bracewell and Will O’Rourke (2 for 48), restricted Bangladesh to 236 for 9.
Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana started strongly, dismissing Will Young in the first over and Kane Williamson cheaply. The energy in the field was high, but Bangladesh failed to capitalize. Ravindra, replacing an ill Daryl Mitchell, settled in quickly and found gaps with ease. He stitched a 57-run stand with Devon Conway before adding a match-winning 129-run partnership with Latham.
New Zealand rotated strike better and adapted well under lights, while Bangladesh’s 178 dot balls reflected their struggles. Bracewell’s four-wicket haul and a sharp catch highlighted New Zealand’s superior execution. Despite some late drama with sharp turn and a direct-hit run-out, New Zealand remained composed. They now set sights on the semi-finals, while Bangladesh exit the tournament with regrets over missed chances.
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