Rising star Rachin Ravindra’s record-breaking century and a solid knock from Tom Latham powered New Zealand to a five-wicket victory over Bangladesh, securing their spot in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals.
Rawalpindi [Pakistan], February 25: Rachin Ravindra once again proved why he is New Zealand’s biggest asset in global tournaments, smashing a record-breaking century to help the Kiwis book a spot in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals.
His blazing 112 off 105 balls, complemented by Tom Latham’s composed 55, powered New Zealand to a five-wicket win over Bangladesh at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.
With two wins in two matches, both India and New Zealand have secured their semi-final berths, while Pakistan and Bangladesh have been knocked out of the tournament.
“Rachin Ravindra—A Superstar in the Making”
Chasing 237, New Zealand got off to a shaky start, losing Will Young (0) and Kane Williamson (5) early to Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana, leaving them struggling at 15/2 in 3.3 overs.
However, Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway steadied the innings with a 57-run stand, before Mustafizur Rahman sent Conway back for 30 off 45 balls.
With the team at 72/3 in 15.4 overs, Tom Latham joined Rachin at the crease, and the duo stitched together a game-changing 129-run partnership.
Rachin raced to his century in just 95 balls, surpassing Kane Williamson and Nathan Astle to become New Zealand’s most successful batter in ICC ODI tournaments, with four centuries across the 50-over World Cup and Champions Trophy.
Despite losing Rachin (112) and Latham (55) late, Glenn Phillips (21) and Michael Bracewell (11) ensured New Zealand crossed the finish line with five wickets and 23 balls to spare**.
“Bracewell Spins a Web Around Bangladesh”
Earlier, Bangladesh opted to bat first after losing the toss, and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto led from the front with a gritty 77 off 110 balls.
Despite promising partnerships, Bangladesh struggled to keep momentum, thanks to a lethal spell from Michael Bracewell (4/26 in 10 overs).
Key contributions from Jaker Ali (45) and Rishad Hossain (26) helped Bangladesh post 236/9 in 50 overs. However, it wasn’t enough to stop the Kiwis from storming into the next stage.
“New Zealand Ready for the Final Group Clash Against India”
With their spot in the semi-finals secured, New Zealand will now face India in Dubai on March 2 in their final Group A match, which will decide the group topper.
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Rachin Ravindra, New Zealand vs Bangladesh, ICC Champions Trophy 2025, NZ cricket, Tom Latham, Michael Bracewell, Bangladesh cricket, Blackcaps, Rachin century, Kane Williamson, semi-finals, IND vs NZ