New Delhi: New Zealand defeated Bangladesh by 5 wickets in their second group-stage clash in the Champions Trophy 2025 on Monday to book a spot in the semi-finals of the multi-nation tournament. New Zealand’s victory also confirmed India’s berth in the semi-finals and Pakistan’s exit from the tournament. Pakistan needed Bangladesh to beat New Zealand to remain in contention after their crushing six-wicket defeat against arch-rivals India on Sunday.
However, their fate was sealed after New Zealand continued their winning run against Bangladesh at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Monday. After thrashing Pakistan by 60 runs in their opening game in Karachi, New Zealand rode on Rachin Ravindra’s brilliant century to bag their second straight victory against Bangladesh and confirm their spot in the semi-finals.
Rachin Ravindra stars in New Zealand chase
Rachin Ravindra starred on his comeback as New Zealand comfortably chased down the target of 237 runs against Bangladesh. Ravindra, who missed New Zealand’s opener against Pakistan due to a forehead injury, made an emphatic return with a century on his Champions Trophy debut. He played an exceptional knock of 112 runs off 105 balls laced with 12 fours and a solitary six.
New Zealand were off to a poor start in the chase as they lost opener Will Young and the experienced Kane Williamson cheaply in the Powerplay to be left reeling at 15/2. Rachin walked out to bat at no.4 and combined with Devon Conway to steady the ship with a 57-run stand for the 3rd wicket. Conway was cleaned up by Mustafizur Rahman after scoring a valuable 30 as New Zealand went three down on 72 in the 16th over.
However, Rachin had settled down on the other end and went on to notch up his hundred in style. He also shared a match-winning partnership of 129 runs with half-centurion Tom Latham (55) to set up the stage for a commanding victory for his team. Bangladesh pacers did manage to get their team off to a great start but failed to sustain pressure as Rachin turned the game in New Zealand’s favour with his ton.
New Zealand rode on Rachin Ravindra’s century to beat Bangladesh by five wickets in their second-group stage clash and qualify for the semi-finals in the Champions Trophy 2025. New Zealand’s victory also confirmed Pakistan’s exit from the tournament Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
