Rachin Ravindra produced a stunning performance with the bat, scoring an impressive 112 runs to guide New Zealand to a five-wicket victory over Bangladesh in their Champions Trophy Group A clash in Rawalpindi. The win not only cemented New Zealand’s place in the semifinals but also sealed India’s qualification, while Pakistan and Bangladesh were knocked out of the tournament.

A Dominant Performance by Ravindra

New Zealand’s chase got off to a shaky start with both Will Young and Kane Williamson dismissed early, leaving the Kiwis at just 15 for two. However, Ravindra’s brilliance steadied the ship. He crafted a masterful 112 runs off 105 balls, including 12 fours and a six. His partnership with Tom Latham, who contributed 55 runs, proved pivotal. Together, they put on 129 runs for the fourth wicket, steering New Zealand past the target in 46.1 overs.

Bangladesh’s Early Promise Fades

Bangladesh had a promising start with the ball, making early breakthroughs. Taskin Ahmed dismissed Young with a brilliant inswinger, while Nahid Rana sent Williamson packing for just five runs. After the early setbacks, Devon Conway and Ravindra fought back with a 57-run stand, but Mustafizur Rahman removed Conway for 30. Despite their best efforts, Bangladesh could not stop Ravindra’s brilliance and New Zealand’s eventual victory.

Bracewell Shines with the Ball

Before Ravindra’s heroics with the bat, Michael Bracewell put in an outstanding bowling display, claiming four wickets for just 26 runs. His efforts helped limit Bangladesh to 236 for nine in their allotted 50 overs. Bracewell took key wickets, including those of Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudullah, playing a central role in New Zealand’s dominance.

Bangladesh Struggles with the Bat

Bangladesh, batting first, found runs hard to come by. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scored with a resilient 77 from 110 balls, but his efforts were not enough to lift the team. The middle order failed to build on solid starts, with only Jaker Ali’s 45 from 55 balls offering some resistance. New Zealand’s disciplined bowling and fielding restricted Bangladesh’s progress, with 86 dot balls in the first 21 overs slowing their momentum.

Pakistan’s Heartbreak

While New Zealand and India cruised into the semifinals with perfect records, the defeat for Bangladesh also meant the end of Pakistan’s hopes. Hosting an ICC tournament for the first time since 1996, Pakistan needed several results to go in their favor to have any chance at qualification, but their fate was sealed with Bangladesh’s loss. Both Pakistan and Bangladesh were eliminated from the tournament after the match.

With both New Zealand and India through to the semifinals, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the Champions Trophy. Ravindra’s heroics with the bat and Bracewell’s sharp bowling performance have surely made New Zealand a team to watch out for.

As we look forward to the next phase of the tournament, who do you think will be the team to beat? The excitement is far from over.