RAWALPINDI: A scintillating century by Rachin Ravindra and a match-winning four-wicket haul by Michael Bracewell propelled New Zealand to a comfortable five-wicket victory over Bangladesh in a crucial group match of the ICC Champion’s Trophy here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday. This victory not only secured New Zealand’s place in the semi-finals of the tournament but also ensured the exit of both Bangladesh and the host nation Pakistan.

Ravindra’s brilliant 112 runs off 105 balls, which included 12 boundaries and a six, was the highlight of the chase, while Bracewell’s pivotal bowling performance helped New Zealand maintain control throughout the match. The Kiwis’ victory also sealed the fate of Bangladesh and Pakistan, who will now meet in a dead rubber on Thursday at the same venue.

Chasing 237 for victory, New Zealand were put under pressure early on as Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed struck early, dismissing opener Will Young for a duck in the first over.

Express pacer Nahid Rana then accounted for the experienced Kane Williamson, who was caught behind by wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim, leaving the Kiwis at a precarious 15-2. At this stage, it seemed Bangladesh’s bowlers were in control, but Ravindra had other plans.

The left-hander first shared a 57-run stand with Devon Conway, who made 35 off 45 balls, hitting six boundaries before being dismissed by Mustafizur Rehman.

Ravindra then forged a decisive 129-run partnership with Tom Latham, steering New Zealand closer to the target. Ravindra, who had been dropped by Mahmudullah Riyad when he was on 105, eventually fell while attempting to loft spinner Rishad Hossain over midwicket for the substitute fielder to take a fine catch, but by then, the damage had already been done as New Zealand needed just 36 runs from 70 balls to seal the victory.

Latham contributed 55 runs off 76 balls, hitting three fours before being run out by Mahmudullah. Glenn Phillips added an unbeaten 21 off 28 balls, and Bracewell chipped in with 11 runs, including the match-winning cover drive, as New Zealand completed the chase with 23 balls to spare.

Earlier, Bracewell put up a brilliant bowling show to keep Bangladesh in check throughout the innings.

The off-spinner took four wickets, giving away only 26 runs as Bangladesh were bundled out for a below-par total.

Bangladesh would have been worse off had it not been for the lower-order cameos by Jaker Ali (45 off 55, three fours and a six) and Rishad (26 off 25, two fours and a six).

The late charge had become a necessity for Bangladesh after Bracewell bowled 10 overs on a trot to leave the opponents reeling at 118-5 by the 27th over.

The off-spinner gave New Zealand their first breakthrough in the ninth over, making flight get the better of Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan.

After pacer Will O’Rourke dismissed first drop Mehidy Hasan Miraz three overs later, Bracewell returned to get sweep three Bangladesh wickets in the space of six overs, with Towhid Hridoy, who scored a century in the first match against India, one of those casualties.

With Bangladesh on the back foot, they needed partnerships, and captain Najmul Hossain, who had been a spectator from the other end, took the mantle with Jaker.

The duo put 45 off 67 together in what was a rescue of sorts for Bangladesh before Najmul became O’Rourke’s prey after a fighting 77 off 110 (nine fours) in the 38th over. With the side needing quick runs, Jaker combined with Rishad for a 33-run stand before putting up 35 off 30 with the incoming Taskin.

The total, however, was always going to be too easy for a side of New Zealand’s quality.

SCOREBOARD

BANGLADESH:

Tanzid Hasan c Williamson b Bracewell 24

Najmul Hossain c Bracewell b O’Rourke 77

Mehidy Hasan c Santner b O’Rourke 13

Tawhid Hridoy c Williamson b Bracewell 7

Mushfiqur Rahim c Ravindra b Bracewell 2

Mahmudullah c O’Rourke b Bracewell 4

Jaker Ali run out Latham 45

Rishad Hossain c Santner b Henry 26

Taskin Ahmed c Conway b Jamieson 10

Mustafizur Rahman not out 3

Nahid Rana not out 0

EXTRAS (LB-3, W-22) 25

TOTAL (for nine wickets, 50 overs) 236

FALL OF WICKETS: 1-45 (Tanzid), 2-64 (Mehidy), 3-97 (Towhid), 4-106 (Mushfiqur), 5-118 (Mahmudullah), 6-163 (Najmul), 7-196 (Rishad), 8-231 (Jaker), 9-236 (Taskin)

BOWLING: Henry 9-0-57-1 (2w); Jamieson 9-1-48-1 (3w); Bracewell 10-0-26-4; O’Rourke 10-1-48-2 (6w); Santner 10-1-44-0 (4w); Phillips 2-0-10-0

NEW ZEALAND:

W. Young b Taskin 0

D. Conway b Mustafizur 30

K. Williamson c Mushfiqur b Nahid 5

R. Ravindra c sub b Rishad 112

T. Latham run out 55

G. Phillips not out 21

M. Bracewell not out 11

EXTRAS (B-4, W-2) 6

TOTAL (for five wickets, 46.1 overs) 240

FALL OF WICKETS: 1-0 (Young), 2-15 (Williamson), 3-72 (Conway), 4-201 (Ravindra), 5-214 (Latham)

DID NOT BAT: M. Santner, M. Henry, K. Jamieson, W. O’Rourke

BOWLING: Taskin 7-2-28-1; Nahid 9-0-43-1; Mehidy 10-0-53-0; Mustafizur 10-0-42-1 (2w); Rishad 9.1-0-58-1; Najmul 1-0-12-0

RESULT: New Zealand won by five wickets.

MAN-OF-THE-MATCH: Michael Bracewell

UMPIRES: Ahsan Raza (Pakistan), Kumar Dharmasena (Sri Lanka)

TV UMPIRE: Rod Tucker (Australia)

MATCH REFEREE: Ranjan Madugalle (Sri Lanka)

Published in Dawn, February 25th, 2025