Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Pakistan's hopes of advancing to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Champions Trophy semi-finals were dashed after a commanding performance by New Zealand, who sealed their place in the last four with a dominant 5-wicket win over Bangladesh at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.
Rachin Ravindra starred with a stunning 112, leading his side to victory and ending Pakistan's campaign in the process.
The result, played out in Rawalpindi, also confirmed India's qualification for the semi-finals, as Bangladesh became the second team to exit from Group A.
Both New Zealand and India now sit unbeaten with two wins each, setting up a crucial showdown in Dubai on Sunday to determine the top two teams from the group. Despite being the defending champions from 2017, Pakistan couldn’t replicate their past success, suffering defeats to New Zealand and India in their own backyard, marking their exit from the tournament early.
India, who opted not to tour Pakistan due to political tensions, are playing their matches in Dubai, where the final will be held if they continue their strong run.
New Zealand’s clinical performance in the group stage has been nothing short of impressive, as they sent Pakistan packing with a comfortable 60-run victory in the opener.
In their clash against Bangladesh, New Zealand chose to bowl first and were clinical in restricting the opposition to 236-9, with Michael Bracewell’s career-best figures of 4-36 playing a crucial role.
The chase didn’t start smoothly for the Black Caps, losing two quick wickets early on, but Ravindra and Tom Latham steadied the ship with a game-changing partnership of 129 runs for the fourth wicket. While both were dismissed before the finish line, New Zealand comfortably reached the target with 23 balls to spare.
The Black Caps have now firmly established themselves as one of the teams to beat, showing resilience and depth throughout the group stages. As they prepare for the semi-finals, their form suggests they will be a tough opponent for any side.
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.
