New Zealand’s steady rise in the Champions Trophy 2025 continued as they clinched a semi-final berth with a composed five-wicket victory over Bangladesh. While the Black Caps celebrated their success, the loss officially eliminated both Bangladesh and Pakistan from the tournament.
Ravindra’s Brilliance Seals the Deal
New Zealand’s chase of 237 was anchored by the sensational Rachin Ravindra, who played a mature yet commanding innings of 112 runs. Walking in at a precarious 15 for 2, he exuded confidence, steering his team to victory alongside a composed 55 from Tom Latham. His century not only cemented New Zealand’s progress but also confirmed India’s place in the knockout stage.
Najmul Hossain Shanto’s Bangladesh had everything to play for but failed to rise to the occasion. Their innings lacked fluency, especially after a promising start. Despite Shanto’s 77 off 110 balls, the team struggled with poor shot selection and a lack of strike rotation.
Bangladesh’s Batting Woes Continue
Bangladesh’s middle order once again faltered under pressure. Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah, with their wealth of experience, contributed only six runs between them, leaving Shanto stranded without support. A disjointed approach meant they barely scraped to 236 for 9, a total that was always going to be insufficient on a good batting surface under lights.
Michael Bracewell emerged as the star with the ball, claiming an impressive 4 for 26, while Ben Sears and Will O’Rourke backed him up with crucial breakthroughs.
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New Zealand’s Efficiency Shines
Bangladesh’s bowlers tried to make a contest of it early, with Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana removing Will Young and Kane Williamson cheaply. But the composed Ravindra, batting in an unfamiliar No. 4 role, adapted brilliantly. His precise stroke play and ability to find gaps made scoring look effortless, even when Bangladesh had an aggressive field setting.
New Zealand also outshone Bangladesh in the field, grabbing key chances that their opponents missed. Bracewell’s sensational diving catch to dismiss Jaker Ali highlighted the stark contrast in the two teams’ execution.
A Lesson in Game Management
Bangladesh’s failure to rotate strike and build meaningful partnerships proved costly. They played over 50 overs of dot balls, exposing their lack of adaptability. Bracewell, who bowled with clever variations, took full advantage of their indecisiveness. His 43 dot balls choked the batting unit, reducing their ability to build momentum.
New Zealand, on the other hand, showed how to chase with discipline. Ravindra’s partnerships with Conway and Latham ensured there were no panic moments. By the time he fell, the job was nearly done. The team’s efficiency in handling pressure, taking their chances, and executing their game plan was the key difference.
Looking Ahead
New Zealand now eye their next challenge in the semi-finals, while Bangladesh and Pakistan reflect on another disappointing ICC campaign. For the Black Caps, this win reaffirmed their ability to blend experience with fresh talent. For Bangladesh, the questions remain: where do they go from here, and how can they bridge the gap between promise and performance?
