Bangladesh, which had set its sights on winning the Champions Trophy, was knocked out after losing two consecutive matches. With this result, host Pakistan was also eliminated after suffering two defeats.

Bangladesh’s victory could have kept Pakistan’s hopes alive, keeping the Group A semifinal race open. However, Rachin Ravindra’s brilliant century put an end to those hopes. New Zealand crushed Bangladesh, securing their place in the semifinals alongside India, while Bangladesh and Pakistan were eliminated.

On Monday (February 24), New Zealand defeated Bangladesh by five wickets in Rawalpindi. Chasing 236 runs, New Zealand needed fewer balls to secure victory thanks to Rachin’s stunning century.

Match Summary

Bangladesh, after a strong start, ended up posting 236 runs for 9 wickets in 50 overs. In response, New Zealand chased the target in 46.1 overs, with 23 balls to spare, led by Rachin Ravindra’s century and Tom Latham’s half-century.

New Zealand’s Chase

New Zealand did not start well, losing Will Young in the first over as Taskin Ahmed knocked ov er his stumps. Shortly after, Kane Williamson also departed, dismissed by Bangladesh’s young pace sensation.

At 15/2, the pressure was on, but Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra started to rebuild. Conway, however, couldn’t continue long, falling for 30 off 45 balls (6 fours) at 72/3, dismissed by Mustafizur Rahman.

Then came the match-winning partnership between Rachin and Latham, who added 129 runs off 136 balls for the fourth wicket. This partnership virtually sealed the win for New Zealand, taking them past 200 runs.

Rachin, after a brilliant knock of 112 off 105 balls (12 fours, 1 six), finally got out. It was his fourth ODI century. Latham (55 off 76 balls, 3 fours) departed soon after, but the rest was an easy task for Glenn Phillips (21) and Michael Bracewell (11)**, who guided New Zealand home.

Among Bangladeshi bowlers, Taskin, Nahid, Mustafizur, and Rishad took one wicket each.

Result

• New Zealand won by 5 wickets

• Bangladesh and Pakistan eliminated

• India and New Zealand qualified for the semifinals