Rachin Ravindra’s quick century guided New Zealand to victory over Bangladesh by 5 wickets in Rawalpindi. New Zealand has now won two matches in a row in the Champions Trophy 2025. With this win, New Zealand and India have secured semi-final spots. Pakistan and Bangladesh are eliminated from the tournament. Sunday’s India vs. New Zealand match in Dubai is now a formality.
However, the winner will therefore finish as Group A leader and subsequently face Group B’s second-placed team.. Pakistan and Bangladesh have both lost two matches in the tournament. Pakistan was beaten by New Zealand by 60 runs and lost to India by 6 wickets. Bangladesh lost their opening match to India by 6 wickets. Similarly, they also suffered a 5-wicket defeat against New Zealand.
Rachin Ravindra Shines as New Zealand Secure Semi-Final Spot with Dominant Chase Against Bangladesh
Rachin Ravindra (112) delivered a stunning century on his Champions Trophy debut, leading New Zealand to a comfortable chase of 237 with 23 balls to spare. With this knock, Ravindra became the New Zealand player with the most centuries in ICC tournaments, reaching his fourth ODI hundred—all of which have come in ICC events. Notably, he also holds the record as the first batter to score a century on both his ODI World Cup and Champions Trophy debuts.
New Zealand had a shaky start at 15 for 2 while chasing 238, putting them in early trouble. However, Ravindra’s solid partnerships with Devon Conway and wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham turned the game around. Latham played his usual composed role, while Conway contributed valuable runs despite the early dismissals of Young and Williamson. Conway and Latham chipped in with 55 and 30 runs, respectively, helping New Zealand reach 240 for 5 in 46.1 overs.
A crucial 129-run partnership between Latham and Ravindra was the backbone of the chase. Notably, New Zealand has registered 12-century stands in Champions Trophy history, with Tom Latham featuring in three of them during this edition alone, equalling Nathan Astle’s record.
Bracewell’s Brilliance Restricts Bangladesh
Earlier in the match, Michael Bracewell’s superb bowling performance (4/26 in 10 overs) helped New Zealand limit Bangladesh to 236/9. Despite Najmul Hossain Shanto’s fighting 77, Bangladesh struggled to build partnerships. Bracewell dismissed Tanzid Hasan (24), Mushfiqur Rahim (2), Mahmudullah (4), and Towhid Hridoy (7), ensuring that Bangladesh never gained momentum.
Bangladesh’s over-reliance on Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah did not pay off, as none of the batters—except skipper Najmul Shanto—managed to anchor the innings. Jaker Ali’s late contribution provided some resistance, but the team’s batting woes persisted.
With Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das missing from the squad, Bangladesh’s struggles outside home conditions continue. They now face Pakistan in their final game, hoping to register at least one win before exiting the tournament.
Rachin Ravindra Leads New Zealand to Semi-Finals with Stunning Century
Rachin Ravindra (112) scored a brilliant century on his Champions Trophy debut. New Zealand chased 237 runs with 23 balls left. Ravindra became New Zealand’s leading century-maker in ICC tournaments with four ODI hundreds. All his centuries have come in ICC events. He is the first player to score a century on both ODI World Cup and Champions Trophy debuts. New Zealand struggled at 15 for 2 while chasing 238. Ravindra built key partnerships with Devon Conway and Tom Latham.
Latham played a steady role, while Conway contributed 55 runs. Young and Williamson fell cheaply, but New Zealand recovered. Latham and Ravindra added 129 runs, anchoring the chase. New Zealand reached 240 for 5 in 46.1 overs. New Zealand has recorded 12-century partnerships in Champions Trophy history. Latham now has three, equalling Nathan Astle’s record.
Bracewell’s Bowling Masterclass Restricts Bangladesh
Michael Bracewell delivered a match-winning spell of 4/26 in 10 overs. New Zealand restricted Bangladesh to 236/9. Najmul Hossain Shanto played a lone fight, scoring 77 runs. Bangladesh failed to build strong partnerships throughout the innings. Bracewell dismissed Tanzid Hasan (24), Mushfiqur Rahim (2), Mahmudullah (4), and Towhid Hridoy (7), derailing Bangladesh’s innings.
Bangladesh relied on Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah, but they failed. Jaker Ali’s late runs provided some resistance. Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das were dropped from the squad. Bangladesh’s batting struggles outside home conditions continue. Bangladesh will face Pakistan in their final game. They hope to win at least one match before exiting the tournament.
https://timesofkarachi.pk/51724-new-zealand-announces-squad-for-icc-champions-trophy-2025
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Hundreds for NZ in Champions Trophy
145* – Nathan Astle vs USA, The Oval, 2004
118* – Tom Latham vs PAK, Karachi, 2025
112 – Rachin Ravindra vs BAN, Rawalpindi, 2025
107 – Will Young vs PAK, Karachi, 2025
102* – Chris Cairns vs IND, Nairobi, 2000 Final
100 – Kane Williamson vs AUS, Edgbaston, 2017
Three in 24 matches across the first eight editions, three in two matches in 2025.
Highest partnerships for NZ in Champions Trophy
163 – Nathan Astle & Scott Styris vs USA, The Oval, 2004
136* – Nathan Astle & Craig McCmillan vs USA, The Oval, 2004
135 – Nathan Astle & Roger Twose vs PAK, Nairobi, 2000
129 – Tom Latham & Rachin Ravindra vs BAN, Rawalpindi, 2025
Visiting teams with the most consecutive wins in Pakistan
7 – India (2006-2008)
6 – Sri Lanka (1995-1997)
6* – New Zealand (2023-2025)
