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New Zealand continued their impressive run in the ongoing Champions Trophy, securing a five-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. With this convincing win, the Kiwis booked their place in the semi-finals alongside India, officially knocking both Bangladesh and Pakistan out of the tournament.
Kiwi skipper Mitchell Santner won the toss and opted to bowl first. Bangladesh had a mixed start, with Tanzid Hasan scoring 24 off 24 before falling early. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto anchored the innings with a slow 77 off 110 balls, an approach that raised questions due to his low strike rate.
Towhid Hridoy, who had scored a century in the previous match against India, failed to make an impact this time. Lower-order contributions from Jaker Ali (55 off 45) and Rishad Hossain (26 off 25) helped Bangladesh post a total of 236/9 in 50 overs.
For New Zealand, Michael Bracewell was the standout bowler, claiming 4/26. Will O’Rourke picked up two wickets, while Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson chipped in with one each.
Let’s take a look at New Zealand’s chase
Bangladesh’s bowlers made a strong start, dismissing Will Young (0 off 6) and Kane Williamson (5 off 4) cheaply. However, Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway steadied the innings with a crucial 57-run stand for the third wicket.
The match-winning partnership came for the fourth wicket, as Ravindra and Tom Latham added 129 runs. Latham scored 55 off 76, while Ravindra led the chase with a brilliant 112 off 105 balls. In the end, Glenn Phillips (21* off 28) and Bracewell (11* off 13) guided New Zealand home with 3.5 overs to spare.
Bracewell was named Player of the Match for his outstanding all-round performance. New Zealand will now face India in their final group game on 2 March in Dubai, while Bangladesh and Pakistan will play their last match against each other on 27 February in Rawalpindi.
Brief scores:
New Zealand won the toss and elected to field first
Bangladesh: 236/9 (50)
Najmul Hossain Shanto 77 (110), Jaker Ali 45 (55), Michael Bracewell 4/26, Will O’Rourke 2/48
New Zealand: 240/5 (46.1)
Rachin Ravindra 112 (105), Tom Latham 55 (76), Taskin Ahmed 1/28, Mustafizur Rahman 1/42
New Zealand won by five wickets
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