Young Kiwi batter Rachin Ravindra and Tom Latham’s brilliant knocks helped New Zealand defeat Bangladesh in a crucial group-stage match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With two consecutive victories, the Kiwis secured their place in the semifinals, joining India, who also won both of their group-stage matches.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh and Pakistan are now eliminated from the semifinal race in Group A.
New Zealand’s back-to-back wins also confirmed Pakistan’s exit from the tournament, marking a disappointing end for the host nation.
For Bangladesh, Najmul Hossain Shanto was the top scorer with 77 runs, while Jaker Ali contributed 45, helping them set a target of 237. New Zealand’s standout bowler was Michael Bracewell, who claimed four wickets to restrict Bangladesh’s total.
New Zealand faced early trouble in the chase as opener Will Young departed for a golden duck, bowled by Taskin Ahmed. Bangladesh struck early, picking up two crucial wickets during the powerplay. Skipper Kane Williamson also fell cheaply, managing just five runs with a solitary boundary (1×4).
After the initial setbacks, Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra steadied the innings with a crucial 57-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Ravindra’s explosive century powered New Zealand past the 200-run mark by the end of 38 overs.
Towards the end, Tom Latham provided stability, scoring a well-compiled 55 off 76 balls, including three boundaries, ensuring New Zealand posted a competitive total on the scoreboard.
At the toss, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said: “We are going to bowl. It looks like a good surface, and hopefully, it gets better under the lights. We have made two changes—Kyle Jamieson replaces Nathan Smith, and unfortunately, Daryl Mitchell is unwell, so Rachin Ravindra comes in for him.”
Bangladesh also made changes to their squad, bringing in speedster Nahid Rana. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto said: “I would have bowled first as well, but it looks like a pretty good wicket. Batting will not be an issue. We have made two changes—Mahmudullah Riyad and Nahid Rana return to the side in place of Soumya Sarkar and Sakib.”
