ICC Champions Trophy: Ravindra's century propels New Zealand into Champions Trophy semifinals with win over Bangladesh

New Zealand advanced to the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy, alongside India, following Rachin Ravindra's century and exceptional bowling from Michael Bracewell, which secured a five-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Group A on Monday.

In pursuit of 237 runs, New Zealand faced an early setback, losing Will Young for a duck in the first over and Kane Williamson for just five runs shortly thereafter. However, Ravindra's impressive 112 and Tom Latham's 55 ensured the team reached their target in 46.1 overs.

Bangladesh, despite a promising start, managed to score only 236-9 in their allotted 50 overs, with Najmul Hossain Shanto contributing 77 runs and Jaker Ali adding 45. Their innings was marred by a significant number of dot balls, totaling 178.

As a result of this match, defending champions Pakistan were eliminated from the tournament, joining Bangladesh after suffering defeats in their initial two matches against New Zealand and India.

"Yes, it feels good to progress. We recognized that Bangladesh would be a formidable opponent on this pitch," remarked New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner.

"The manner in which we managed to regain control in the middle overs with our bowling was gratifying. Taking wickets during that phase is arguably the most challenging aspect of one-day cricket, and I believe Bracewell was exceptional."

Ravindra, who replaced the unwell Daryl Mitchell, narrowly avoided a run-out when he was on 25 but quickly found his rhythm with elegant boundaries on the off side, reaching his half-century with a well-placed four behind the bowler.

After Devon Conway was dismissed by Mustafizur Rahman for 30, Ravindra continued to build his innings, capitalizing on a dropped catch at 93 by Mehidy Hasan Miraz before achieving his fourth one-day international century.

The left-handed batsman formed a significant 129-run partnership with the in-form Latham and received another chance when Mahmudullah dropped him on 105, before eventually departing with the victory nearly secured.

Glenn Phillips contributed an unbeaten 21 runs, while Bracewell added 11 not out to guide their team to success.

Bangladesh commenced their innings positively after being invited to bat first; however, suboptimal shot selection from their middle-order batsmen resulted in a lackluster total.

The introduction of spinner Bracewell in the ninth over proved pivotal for New Zealand, leading to the dismissal of opener Tanzid Hasan, who scored 24 runs off 24 balls. Subsequently, seamer Will O'Rourke claimed the wicket of Miraz for 13, leaving Bangladesh at 64 for 2.

Shanto attempted to stabilize the innings, but New Zealand's bowlers maintained pressure, with Bracewell emerging as the key performer, concluding with figures of 4 for 26. He dismissed Towhid Hridoy for seven, Mushfiqur Rahim for two, and Mahmudullah for four.

In the 38th over, Bracewell executed an impressive running catch to remove Shanto, bowled by O'Rourke, which left Bangladesh in urgent need of a strong finish to enhance their total.

Ali provided some resistance with his innings, but he was run out by wicketkeeper Tom Latham in the second-to-last over, resulting in Bangladesh finishing with a subpar score.

"It was a pretty good wicket to bat on. We needed two big partnerships but the way we batted was really disappointing," said Shanto.

"The batting unit needs to improve a lot."

SportsLigue