Rawalpindi: Bangladesh’s ambitions to reach the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy were extinguished following a five-wicket defeat to New Zealand at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Despite posting a total of 236-9, largely due to captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s 77, New Zealand comfortably chased down the target, finishing at 240-5 in 46.1 overs.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the young talent Rachin Ravindra played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s victory with his 112 off 105 balls, which included a dozen boundaries and a six. Tom Latham contributed 55 runs, while pacer Michael Bracewell impressed with figures of 4-26. Bangladesh’s earlier defeat to India by six wickets had already made this match a must-win contest for them, but their subpar performance ensured their exit from the tournament.
Bangladesh’s loss also ended Pakistan’s faint hopes of advancing to the semi-finals. Nonetheless, Bangladesh and Pakistan are set to face off on Thursday at the same venue, aiming for a consolation win. Ravindra and Latham’s 129-run partnership for the fourth wicket was crucial in steering New Zealand towards victory after a brief challenge from Bangladesh.
Taskin Ahmed and young bowler Nahid Rana had given Bangladesh a promising start, reducing New Zealand to 15-2 in the fourth over. Taskin dismissed Will Young for a six-ball duck, and Nahid Rana had Kane Williamson caught for 5. Mustafizur Rahman further reduced New Zealand to 72-3 by removing Devon Conway for 30, offering Bangladesh a glimmer of hope. However, Ravindra and Latham’s resilience soon quashed those hopes.
Rishad Hossain eventually dismissed Ravindra, but by then, New Zealand was on the brink of victory. Latham’s 55-run innings ended with a run-out, and Glenn Phillips saw New Zealand home with an unbeaten 21.
Bangladesh, after being put to bat first, struggled despite a cautious start by Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Shanto. Bracewell’s bowling dismantled Bangladesh’s batting order, starting with Tanzid, who scored 24. William O’ Rourke supported Bracewell’s efforts with 2-48, claiming Shanto’s wicket.
Bracewell also dismissed Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudullah Riyad, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 118-5 from 45-1. Shanto battled on, reaching his half-century before falling for 77. Jaker Ali Anik and Rishad Hossain’s resistance pushed Bangladesh past 200, with Jaker scoring 45 before being run out and Rishad making 26. Despite their efforts, Bangladesh’s total proved insufficient against a disciplined New Zealand bowling attack.