Pakistan/Patiala, 25 February (Sports Desk)
In a crucial Group A encounter of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, New Zealand delivered a commanding performance to defeat Bangladesh by five wickets at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on February 24, 2025. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, New Zealand restricted Bangladesh to 236/9 in their 50 overs before chasing down the target with ease, finishing at 237/5 in 46.1 overs. This victory not only secured New Zealand’s place in the semi-finals but also confirmed India’s progression from Group A, while eliminating both Bangladesh and hosts Pakistan from the tournament.
see this link also…Kohli’s Century Powers India to Six-Wicket Win Over Pakistan in Champions Trophy Thriller
Match Summary
- Toss: New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl.
- Bangladesh Innings: 236/9 in 50 overs
- Najmul Hossain Shanto: 77 runs
- Jaker Ali: 45 runs
- New Zealand Innings: 237/5 in 46.1 overs
- Rachin Ravindra: 112 runs off 105 balls
- Tom Latham: 55 runs
- Result: New Zealand won by 5 wickets
Key Performances
Bangladesh
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (77 runs):
The Bangladesh captain played a pivotal anchoring role, top-scoring for his side with a resilient 77 off 110 balls. His innings provided stability after early setbacks but lacked support from the middle order. - Jaker Ali (45 runs):
Coming in at a critical juncture, Jaker Ali contributed a valuable 45, helping Bangladesh post a competitive total despite the collapse. - Batting Collapse:
Bangladesh’s innings was marred by a significant collapse, slipping from 64/1 to 118/5. Excessive dot balls and poor shot selection, particularly from experienced players like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah, who managed just 2 and 4 runs respectively, proved costly.
New Zealand
- Michael Bracewell (4/26):
The off-spin all-rounder was the star with the ball, delivering a game-changing spell of 4 wickets for 26 runs in his 10 overs. His disciplined bowling dismantled Bangladesh’s middle order, triggering their collapse. - Rachin Ravindra (112 off 105 balls):
Returning from injury, Ravindra played a match-winning knock, scoring a magnificent century. His innings, laced with exquisite timing and composure, anchored New Zealand’s chase and ensured they reached the target with minimal fuss. - Tom Latham (55 runs):
The wicketkeeper-batter provided solid support to Ravindra, contributing a crucial 55 runs. His partnership with Ravindra was instrumental in steering New Zealand to victory.
see this link also….India’s Dream Start: Shami, Rohit, Gill Star in Bangladesh Thrashing
Significant Moments
- Bangladesh’s Collapse:
After a promising start at 64/1, Bangladesh lost momentum, losing four wickets for just 54 runs to slip to 118/5. This collapse was orchestrated by New Zealand’s tight bowling and sharp fielding, with Bracewell’s spell (4/26) being the standout performance. - Ravindra’s Century:
Rachin Ravindra’s return from injury was nothing short of spectacular. His century, scored off just 95 balls, was a masterclass in timing and placement, guiding New Zealand through the chase with authority. - New Zealand’s Chase:
The Black Caps chased down the target of 237 with composure, losing only five wickets in the process. Their batting depth and calm under pressure were on full display, with Ravindra and Latham forming a match-winning partnership.
Tournament Implications
- New Zealand:
The win confirmed New Zealand’s place in the semi-finals, showcasing their all-round strength and consistency. They will now face India in their final group match on March 2, with the top spot in Group A at stake. - Bangladesh:
The loss eliminated Bangladesh from the Champions Trophy, as they needed a victory to stay in contention after their earlier defeat to India. - Pakistan:
New Zealand’s victory also knocked out hosts Pakistan from the tournament, as India and New Zealand advanced from Group A.
Additional Insights
- Bangladesh’s Batting Woes:
Despite Shanto’s fighting knock, Bangladesh’s batting faltered due to an inability to rotate strike and poor shot selection. The middle-order collapse, triggered by Bracewell’s brilliance, proved decisive in limiting their total. - New Zealand’s Dominance:
The Black Caps were exceptional in all departments. Their fielding was sharp, their bowling disciplined, and their batting composed. Bracewell’s spell and Ravindra’s century were the highlights, but the team’s overall performance reflected their confidence and form in the tournament.
Conclusion
The Champions Trophy 2025 match on February 24, 2025, at Rawalpindi saw New Zealand outclass Bangladesh in a must-win game for the latter. Bangladesh posted 236/9, thanks to Najmul Hossain Shanto’s 77 and Jaker Ali’s 45, but Michael Bracewell’s 4/26 triggered a collapse that limited their total. New Zealand chased 237 with five wickets in hand, led by Rachin Ravindra’s brilliant century (112 off 105 balls) and Tom Latham’s steady 55. This victory secured New Zealand’s semi-final berth while eliminating both Bangladesh and Pakistan from the competition. New Zealand’s all-round strength and Bangladesh’s recurring batting issues were on full display, setting the stage for an exciting knockout phase.
