Rawalpindi: Rachin Ravindra’s brilliant century guided New Zealand to a commanding five-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the sixth match of the ICC Champions Trophy here on Monday, knocking both Bangladesh and hosts Pakistan out of the tournament.
New Zealand's victory also tasted sweet for India as they also stormed into the semifinals of the tournament.
Chasing a modest target of 237, New Zealand had a shaky start as Taskin Ahmed struck in the very first over, cleaning up Will Young for a duck. Kane Williamson (95) followed soon after, nicking a fiery delivery from Nahid Rana to Mushfiqur Rahim behind the stumps, leaving New Zealand at 15 for 2 inside four overs.
However, Devon Conway (30 off 45) and Ravindra steadied the chase with a crucial 57-run partnership before Mustafizur Rahman’s well-disguised cutter breached Conway’s defence for 30. But Ravindra took charge, accelerating at the right moments while receiving solid support from Tom Latham (55 off 76). The left-hander reached his hundred with a composed single off Rana, marking yet another milestone in his young career.
Ravindra eventually fell for a masterful 112 off 105 balls, attempting a big shot off Rishad Hossain, but by then, the damage was already done. Latham’s run-out at 214 briefly raised Bangladeshi hopes, but Glenn Phillips (21*) and Michael Bracewell (11*) ensured there were no further hiccups, sealing the win with 23 balls to spare.
Earlier, Bangladesh struggled to build momentum after they were sent in to bat first. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scored with 77, but Bracewell’s superb 4/26 dismantled the middle order. William O’Rourke also played a key role, picking up two wickets. Rishad Hossain (26) and Jaker Ali (45) added some late resistance, but their total of 236/9 always seemed below par on a good batting surface.
With this result, New Zealand and India have secured their spots in the semifinals, while Pakistan and Bangladesh bow out of the competition.
Brief Scores:
Bangladesh: 236/9 in 50 overs (Najmul Hossain Shanto 77, Jaker Ali 45; Michael Bracewell 4/26, William O’Rourke 2/40)
New Zealand: 240/5 in 46.1 overs (Rachin Ravindra 112, Tom Latham 55; Taskin Ahmed 1/28, Mustafizur Rahman 1/42)
