New Zealand clinches spot in Champions Trophy semis after defeating Bangladesh

RAWALPINDI: New Zealand entered the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after defeating Bangladesh by five wickets in the sixth group match of the tournament played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday, thanks to a century from Rachan Ravindra and a half-century from Tom Latham.

Chasing a modest target of 237 runs, the Black Caps scored five wickets with 23 balls to spare thanks to a fourth-wicket partnership between century-maker Ravindra and in-form Tom Latham.

However, New Zealand’s chase got off to a mixed start as they lost the in-form Will Young (0) and veteran Kane Williamson (5) for just 15 runs inside four overs.

After an initial stumble, the returning Ravindra joined Conway in the middle and began the recovery.

The two put on a crucial 57-run partnership for the third wicket until Mustafizur Rahman got rid of the opener in the 16th over, scoring 30 off 45 balls, hitting six fours.

Ravindra then put on a 129-run partnership with Latham to put New Zealand in a commanding position.

He finally fell victim to Rashad Hossain in the 39th over when New Zealand top-scored with 112 off 105 balls, with the help of 12 fours and a six.

Latham, on the other hand, retired in the 42nd over after scoring 55 off 76 balls, which included three fours.

Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell then ensured that there were no further hiccups in the modest run chase and guided New Zealand to a comfortable victory.

Phillips remained unbeaten on 21 off 28 balls while Bracewell scored 11 off 13 balls.

For Bangladesh, Taskin Ahmed, Naheed Rana, Rahman and Hossain took one wicket each.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner’s decision to bowl first as an all-round bowling attempt gave them a modest total to chase.

Bangladesh started their innings relatively well as openers Najmul Hossain Shanto and Tanzeed Hasan laid a solid foundation with 45 runs, which ended with the latter’s dismissal in the ninth over.