Rawalpindi, February 24, 2025 – New Zealand stormed into the semifinals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a commanding victory over Bangladesh on Monday.
The win not only ensured their place in the final four but also confirmed India’s progression, leaving only the battle for the top spot in the group standings.
Batting first, Bangladesh set a modest target of 237 runs in their allotted 50 overs. Despite a solid start in the powerplay, their middle order faltered under relentless pressure from the New Zealand bowlers. Najmul Hossain Shanto led from the front with a fighting knock of 77, but lack of meaningful partnerships cost Bangladesh dearly. Michael Bracewell was the standout performer for New Zealand with the ball, claiming four crucial wickets, while the Kiwi pacers provided ample support by restricting the run flow and chipping in with timely dismissals.
In response, New Zealand encountered early trouble, losing Will Young and Kane Williamson cheaply. However, Rachin Ravindra, returning after a head injury, joined forces with Devon Conway to stabilize the innings. The duo stitched together a crucial partnership, steering New Zealand towards safety before Conway fell. Ravindra, continuing his exceptional form in ICC events, struck a magnificent century—his fourth in ICC tournaments, making him the first New Zealand batter to achieve this feat. Tom Latham complemented his effort with a composed half-century, ensuring a smooth chase. While both set batters departed before the finish line, Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell saw New Zealand home in 46.1 overs with five wickets in hand.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, highlighting the impact of their middle-overs bowling and praising Michael Bracewell’s game-changing spell. He also acknowledged the pitch’s two-paced nature and credited Ravindra and Latham for their match-winning stand.
Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto lamented the lack of partnerships in the middle overs and rued missed opportunities in the field, particularly a dropped catch and a missed run-out chance. He commended Nahid Rana’s impressive bowling and vowed to finish the tournament on a positive note.
With this victory, New Zealand continue to assert their dominance in the Champions Trophy, proving themselves as strong contenders for the title. They now turn their focus to a crucial clash against India, where spin is expected to play a significant role.