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In an exhilarating encounter at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, New Zealand successfully chased down Bangladesh’s total of 236/9, securing a five-wicket win that sent Pakistan packing from the Champions Trophy 2025. Despite a shaky start, New Zealand’s resilience and strong performances in the middle order ultimately guided them to victory.
Early Struggles for New Zealand
The chase began on a difficult note for the Kiwis, who lost three early wickets. Opener Will Young was dismissed by Taskin Ahmed, while captain Kane Williamson followed shortly after, managing only five runs. This left New Zealand at 21/2, with the pressure mounting. However, Rachin Ravindra’s brilliant century was key to the recovery, as he steered New Zealand back on track.
Ravindra’s Century and Vital Partnership
Ravindra’s remarkable knock of 112 runs was the highlight of New Zealand’s innings. He formed a vital fourth-wicket partnership of 129 runs with Tom Latham, who contributed a solid 55 runs before being run out. This partnership set the foundation for New Zealand’s chase, and despite losing Ravindra, the Kiwis were in a strong position.
Bracewell and Phillips Guide New Zealand to Victory
Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell stepped up to guide New Zealand over the line, finishing the match in style. Their calm and composed batting ensured New Zealand reached the target of 237 with five wickets remaining. This victory was crucial for New Zealand, as it not only secured them a place in the next round but also dealt a knockout blow to Pakistan’s hopes in the tournament.
Bangladesh’s Innings: Shanto’s Effort and Bracewell’s Bowling
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh had won the toss and opted to bat first. New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Michael Bracewell, dominated from the start. The Kiwis restricted Bangladesh to just 236/9 in their 50 overs, with Bracewell being the standout performer. His brilliant bowling spell of 4/26 in 10 overs, along with support from Will O’Rourke (2/48) and Matt Henry (1/57), kept Bangladesh on the back foot throughout the innings.
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Bangladesh’s captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, was the top scorer for his team, contributing 77 runs from 110 balls. He anchored the innings after Bangladesh lost quick wickets early on. Shanto’s resistance was eventually broken when he was dismissed by a spectacular running catch from Michael Bracewell.
New Zealand’s Fielding Excellence
New Zealand’s fielding also played a significant role in Bangladesh’s downfall. Kane Williamson took an exceptional catch to dismiss Towhid Hridoy, and Bracewell also made a key contribution by taking three important wickets in the field. Other key dismissals included Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, all of whom were caught out due to brilliant fielding.
Bangladesh’s Struggles Against New Zealand’s Bowlers
Following the early breakthroughs, Bangladesh struggled to build any meaningful partnerships. Bracewell’s four-wicket haul took the wind out of Bangladesh’s sails, leaving them reeling at 118/5. Mahmudullah’s attempted big shot resulted in a leading edge caught by O’Rourke, and the wickets continued to fall, with Bangladesh finishing at 236/9 after their allotted 50 overs.
Team Changes and Playing XIs
New Zealand made two changes to their playing XI for the match. Kyle Jamieson replaced Nathan Smith, while Rachin Ravindra returned to the side in place of the unwell Dayl Mitchell. Bangladesh also made two changes, with Mahmudullah returning to the squad and Nahid Rana making his debut in the Champions Trophy. Soumya Sarkar and Tanzid Shakib were dropped from the playing XI.
New Zealand’s Playing XI:
- Will Young
- Devon Conway
- Kane Williamson
- Rachin Ravindra
- Tom Latham (w)
- Glenn Phillips
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner (c)
- Matt Henry
- Kyle Jamieson
- William O’Rourke
Bangladesh’s Playing XI:
- 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
