Champions Trophy 2025: Ton-Up Rachin Ravindra Knocks Out Pakistan, Propels New Zealand To 5-Wicket Victory Over Bangladesh

New Zealand registered a commanding five-wicket victory over Bangladesh in their Group A clash of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday. With this win, both Pakistan and Bangladesh have been knocked out of the tournament.

After winning the toss, New Zealand opted to bowl first, making the most of the conditions to restrict Bangladesh to 236/9 in 50 overs.

Bangladesh's innings revolved around a resilient 77 off 110 balls from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. Openers Tanzid Hasan (24) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (13) made a decent start, but quick wickets dented their progress. Towhid Hridoy (7), Mushfiqur Rahim (2), and Mahmudullah (4) fell cheaply as Michael Bracewell (4/26) wreaked havoc with his off-spin. Jaker Ali's unbeaten 45 off 53 balls provided some late impetus, while Rishad Hossain chipped in with 26 off 25. Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson complemented Bracewell well, ensuring Bangladesh never got away with the scoring.

Chasing 237, New Zealand had a rocky start, losing Will Young for a duck in the first over to Taskin Ahmed. Kane Williamson, playing his comeback game, was dismissed for just five, leaving New Zealand at 15/2. Devon Conway (30 off 45) and Rachin Ravindra steadied the innings before Conway was cleaned up by Mustafizur Rahman. Ravindra, however, continued his fine touch, scoring a brilliant 112 off 105 balls with 12 fours and a six.

Tom Latham (55 off 76) played the perfect supporting role, ensuring the required run rate was always under control. The duo added 129 runs for the fourth wicket, virtually sealing the game before Rishad Hossain removed Ravindra. Latham was run out attempting a risky single, but Glenn Phillips (21*) and Michael Bracewell (11*) guided New Zealand home comfortably in 46.1 overs.

Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Rishad Hossain, and Mustafizur took a wicket each, but Bangladesh's total proved insufficient against New Zealand's composed chase.

The Kiwis will play their final match against India on 2nd March, in a match to decide who will top Group A, before they get ready for the semi-finals.