New Zealand convincingly beats Bangladesh in Rawalpindi by 5 wickets, all set to take on against India in their next match on March 2. Bangladesh had put up a score of 236 on board, which New Zealand went on to chase effortlessly at the fall of five wickets, still 23 balls remaining.

Michael Bracewell’s 4 for 26 in 10 overs, and Rachin Ravindra’s 112 off 105 balls have ensured New Zealand a spot in the semi-finals. This victory makes it crystal clear that India and New Zealand are playing the semi-finals from Group A of the Champions Trophy. This also makes clear that Bangladesh and Pakistan, once east and west territories of a single country, are together out of the tournament. Moreover, Pakistan who are the hosts of the tournament are not a part of the semis.

Ravindra had also hit a century in the opening game of the 2023 ODI World Cup, and this one makes it more special for the 25-year-old and his team who are now entering the semi-final game. He had come to bat when New Zealand was 15-2, building the innings from the bottom. Mathew Hayden said while commentary, “Gentlemen, we are seeing the emergence of one of the great modern day players.” Ravindra has four ODI centuries in ICC matches. Mitchell Santner puts it very right, “He loves ICC events.”

Bangladesh’s innings had 178 dot balls, which is the most by any team in the Champions Trophy. While the spinners of New Zealand conceded only 80 runs at an economy of 3.63. Bracewell has bettered over former New Zealand player Paul Wiseman who took 4 wickets giving 45 runs against Zimbabwe in 2000. The four wickets that Bracewell clinched were of the top batters of Bangladesh.

Ravindra was accompanied by Tom Latham for New Zealand’s innings. They both together registered a partnership of 129 runs off 136 balls. When Bangladesh broke the partnership, New Zealand was just 36 runs away from their target. Bangladesh’s spinners could never settle. With the bat, they were a solid 97-2, but Bracewell took the command sweeping them all. The four overs in between bowled by Bracewell produced the figures of 3 for 5.

New Zealand recovered well, not once but twice, they were just so good in the middle overs. Now, it would be interesting to see them face India in the semi-finals. Both the teams are strong contenders for the Champions Trophy winners. Let us see time and tide favors whom…