CT25: Rachin century guides New Zealand to semis as Bangladesh & Pakistan exit from CT

 

India secured their spot in the Champions Trophy semifinals, thanks to a crucial win by New Zealand over Bangladesh on Monday. With this result, both India and New Zealand advanced to the final four, eliminating Bangladesh and tournament hosts Pakistan.

New Zealand successfully chased down Bangladesh’s total of 236/9 in 46.1 overs, ensuring their second victory in the group stage. With both India and New Zealand having four points each—having defeated Bangladesh and Pakistan—it is now confirmed that they will be the top two teams in the group. The upcoming India-New Zealand match will determine which team finishes at the top.

The match in Rawalpindi saw New Zealand opt to bowl first after winning the toss, a decision that proved effective. Bangladesh struggled with the bat but managed to post 236/9. Under the lights, New Zealand's chase was largely smooth, despite a shaky start.

In the very first over, Taskin Ahmed dismissed centurion from the previous match, Will Young, and celebrated as if the game was already in Bangladesh’s grasp. The excitement grew when captain Kane Williamson (5) fell in the fourth over, putting New Zealand under pressure. Devon Conway (30) and Rachin Ravindra then tried to stabilize the innings, but Conway’s dismissal at 72 once again put the Kiwis in trouble.

That was when Bangladesh’s hopes started to fade. Rachin, alongside Tom Latham, anchored the innings with a decisive 129-run partnership for the fourth wicket. In one-day cricket, taking wickets in the middle overs is crucial, but Bangladesh’s bowlers failed to do so. Their spinners managed to slow the scoring rate, but an expensive over from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, where he conceded 12 runs, handed the momentum back to New Zealand.

By the time New Zealand crossed 200, they had lost Rachin (112) and Latham (55), but the target was well within reach. Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell comfortably took the team over the line with 23 balls to spare.

This was the first Champions Trophy match played in Rawalpindi, and the first international game at the venue since 2023. Historically a high-scoring ground, Bangladesh’s batters struggled apart from Najmul Hossain Shanto and Zakir Ali.

Bangladesh’s openers started well, with Shanto and Tanzid Hasan maintaining a run rate above five. However, once Tanzid (24) was dismissed in the ninth over, the scoring rate dropped. While Shanto held one end, wickets kept tumbling at the other.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (13), Towhid Hridoy (7), Mushfiqur Rahim (2), and Mahmudullah (4) all failed to contribute significantly. Zakir Ali provided some resistance, adding 45 runs with Shanto for the sixth wicket. Under pressure, Shanto played cautiously and looked set for a century, but his attempt to accelerate led to his dismissal. He was caught by Bracewell off a lofted shot against William O’Rourke for a well made 77. 

Zakir showed some aggression but fell short of a half-century, getting run out by a sharp throw from Latham for 45 . Bangladesh eventually finished at 236/9, a total that proved insufficient as New Zealand completed the chase with ease.