New Zealand successfully chased down the 237-run target set by Bangladesh, securing a five-wicket win that ultimately knocked Pakistan out of the Champions Trophy.
The chase got off to a rough start for the Kiwis, who lost three early wickets. Opener Will Young was dismissed by Taskin Ahmed, while captain Kane Williamson was sent back for just 5 runs.
However, Rachin Ravindra's remarkable century helped New Zealand recover, with Tom Latham contributing significantly in a vital fourth-wicket partnership of 129 runs.
Ravindra was dismissed for 112, while Tom Latham was run out after scoring 55. Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell then guided New Zealand to victory, finishing the match successfully.
Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl first against Bangladesh in the sixth match of the Champions Trophy 2025 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Kiwis had restricted Bangladesh to 236/9 in their 50 overs in Rawalpindi.
Bangladesh's captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, continued to anchor the innings alongside Jaker Ali, stabilising the team after a series of quick wickets.
However, Shanto's 77-run knock, which came off 110 balls, was brought to an end when he was dismissed by a brilliant running catch from Michael Bracewell.
New Zealand's fielding excellence was on display once again, as captain Kane Williamson took a superb catch to dismiss Tawhid Hridoy, giving Bracewell his second wicket of the match.
In the following over, Rachin Ravindra caught Mushfiqur Rahim, providing Bracewell with his third wicket.
The fielding brilliance continued when Mahmudullah was caught by O'Rourke, giving Bracewell his fourth wicket.
After winning the toss and opting to field, New Zealand’s bowlers made the most of the early conditions, putting Bangladesh on the back foot from the start.
The first breakthrough came in the 11.6 overs when Mehidy Hasan Miraz (13) was caught by Mitchell Santner off Will O’Rourke’s bowling, reducing Bangladesh to 64/2.
As the pressure mounted, Bracewell then took control. Towhid Hridoy (7) was dismissed in the 20.3 overs when he sliced a delivery from Bracewell to a diving Williamson at cover. The wicket left Bangladesh at 97/3.
Mushfiqur Rahim, one of Bangladesh's most experienced players, followed shortly after, falling to Bracewell for just 2 runs, caught at deep midwicket. This left Bangladesh in a precarious position at 106/4.
Mahmudullah (4) then perished in similar fashion, attempting a big shot down the ground but getting a leading edge, which was comfortably caught by O’Rourke at short third man, leaving Bangladesh at 118/5.
For New Zealand, Michael Bracewell was the standout bowler, taking 4/26 in 10 overs, while Will O’Rourke (2/48) and Matt Henry (1/57) also chipped in.
New Zealand made two changes to their lineup as Kyle Jamieson replaces Nathan Smith, and Rachin Ravindra comes back into the side in place of an unwell Dayl Mitchell.
Bangladesh also made two changes. Mahmudullah returns to the team, and Nahid Rana is set to make his first appearance in the Champions Trophy. Soumya Sarkar and Tanzid Shakib are left out.
Playing XIs
New Zealand: Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham(w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William ORourke
Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto(c), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ