Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Bangladesh set a target of 237 runs for New Zealand in their opening match of the Champions Trophy 2025, being played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium today (Monday).
The Blackcaps have set themselves up perfectly for a spot in the semi-finals after restricting the Tigers to 236/9 in their 50 overs.
Michael Bracewell was the standout performer for New Zealand with the ball, finishing with figures of 4/26 from his 10 overs.
Will O’Rourke (2/48) and Matt Henry (1/57) also played key supporting roles as New Zealand's bowlers dominated, reducing Bangladesh to a precarious position throughout the innings.
Bangladesh’s innings was anchored by Najmul Hossain Shanto, who fought valiantly for his 77 runs off 110 balls, holding things together after the early wickets fell.
However, it was a brilliant running catch from Bracewell that brought his knock to an end, signaling the beginning of a collapse. New Zealand's fielding was equally impressive, with Kane Williamson taking a stunning catch to dismiss Towhid Hridoy, and Rachin Ravindra adding to the highlight reel by catching Mushfiqur Rahim in the very next over. The pressure mounted, and Mahmudullah followed soon after, caught by O'Rourke for just 4 runs.
The Kiwis had the upper hand right from the start after electing to bowl. They struck early, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz falling to O’Rourke in the 12th over, reducing Bangladesh to 64/2.
Bracewell's spell then put Bangladesh on the back foot, claiming three quick wickets, including that of Hridoy (7), Rahim (2), and Mahmudullah (4), leaving Bangladesh struggling at 118/5 by the 26th over.
Despite a fightback, Bangladesh couldn’t recover, as Bracewell wrapped up the tail with his fourth wicket.
New Zealand will now chase 237 for victory, and a win would see them advance to the semi-finals alongside India from Group A.
The Blackcaps, coming off a dominant win in Lahore, are looking to seal their place in the knockout stages, while Bangladesh will need to pull off a big performance to stay alive in the competition after their opening loss to India.
Teams
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham (WK), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santer (C), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rorke.
Bangladesh: Najmul Hassan Shanto (C), Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, mehdy Miraz, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed.
