New Zealand Storm into Champions Trophy Semi-Finals with Win Over Bangladesh
New Zealand booked their place in the Champions Trophy semi-finals with a commanding five-wicket victory over Bangladesh on Monday. A brilliant 112 from Rachin Ravindra and a match-winning 4-26 spell by Michael Bracewell ensured the Black Caps comfortably chased down 237 in 46.1 overs. With this result, New Zealand and India have officially advanced from Group A, while Bangladesh and defending champions Pakistan have been eliminated.
New Zealand Overcomes Early Wobble in Chase
Set a target of 237, New Zealand got off to a shaky start as Will Young fell for a duck in the opening over, followed by Kane Williamson’s dismissal for just five. However, Ravindra and Tom Latham steadied the innings with a 129-run partnership, guiding their team toward victory.
Ravindra, playing in place of the ill Daryl Mitchell, survived a close run-out scare at 25 but grew in confidence, playing a series of delightful shots through the off-side. He reached his half-century with a driven boundary straight down the ground and capitalized on some sloppy Bangladesh fielding.
Despite being dropped twice, once on 93 by Mehidy Hasan Miraz and again on 105 by Mahmudullah, the left-hander converted his chance into a magnificent fourth ODI century. By the time he was dismissed, New Zealand had all but sealed the win, with Glenn Phillips (21) and Bracewell (11) finishing the job.**
Bracewell’s Magic with the Ball Restricts Bangladesh
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first, getting off to a promising start before losing their way. Najmul Hossain Shanto (77) and Jaker Ali (45) played key roles, but 178 dot balls cost them dearly as they struggled to 236-9 in 50 overs.
Bracewell made an immediate impact after being introduced in the ninth over, breaking the opening stand by dismissing Tanzid Hasan (24). Bangladesh’s innings further derailed when pacer Will O’Rourke removed Mehidy Hasan Miraz (13) to leave them at 64-2.
While Shanto tried to anchor the innings, Bracewell ran through the middle order, claiming the key wickets of Towhid Hridoy (7), Mushfiqur Rahim (2), and Mahmudullah (4). He also showed his athleticism with a fine running catch to dismiss Shanto in the 38th over, further denting Bangladesh’s hopes of a competitive total.
Despite Jaker Ali’s late resistance, Bangladesh failed to build the partnerships needed for a bigger score. Ali’s fighting effort ended in the 49th over when he was run out by wicketkeeper Tom Latham, capping off a disappointing batting display for his side.
Santner and Shanto React After the Match
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner was delighted with his team’s performance, especially Bracewell’s ability to take wickets in the crucial middle overs.
“We knew Bangladesh would be a tough challenge on this wicket,” Santner said. “The way we were able to pull it back in the middle with the ball was pleasing. It’s probably the hardest thing to do in one-day cricket, and I think Bracewell was outstanding.”
Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto admitted his side’s batting let them down, despite the decent pitch conditions.
“It was a pretty good wicket to bat on. We needed two big partnerships, but the way we batted was really disappointing,” he said. “The batting unit needs to improve a lot.”
What’s Next?
With this win, New Zealand has officially secured a semi-final spot, joining India in the knockout stage. The two teams will now face off in Dubai on Sunday to determine who finishes at the top of Group A.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, will play a dead rubber against Pakistan on Thursday, hoping to end their tournament on a high note.
