The top teams’ struggles are becoming more fierce as the Champions Trophy 2025 draws closer to the semifinals, and 50-over cricket fever is on. On Monday, February 24, Match 6 of the main event of the ICC featured a match between Bangladesh (BAN) and New Zealand (NZ).
For the Bangla Tigers, the game was particularly crucial because their chances of moving on to the next round were already in doubt. However, the dark horses were eager to continue winning in the eight-team competition in order to guarantee a spot in the semifinals.
Talking Points
1. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto led from the front with bat
While batting first, Bangladesh started cautiously and were looking good at one stage with the score reading 97/3 in the 21st over. From there on they lost control of their batting and slumped to 118/5 in no time. However, skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto played a resilient knock of 77 runs to keep the side in the contest but the rest of the batting unit failed to capitalize on it. As a result, Bangladesh were able to put a modest total of 236 runs on the board.
2. New Zealand had terrible start to their run chase
In reply to the run chase, New Zealand had a rather dismal start as they lost Will Young and the veteran batter Kane Williamson in the fourth over when the score was just 15/2. Though Devon Conway got a start before Mustafizur Rahman cleaned him up to further dent the run chase.
3. Rachin Ravindra scored scintillating century to guide New Zealand to victory
However, all rounder Rachin Ravindra starred with the bat for New Zealand. The talented southpaw made merry of the conditions on offer and scored an impressive century (112) and stitched a vital stand of 129 runs with Tom Latham for the fourth wicket.
Post his dismissal, Latham, who was hoping to finish the game for his side, ended up getting run out in what could have been a late twist in the game. But Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell ensured to take the Kiwis home as New Zealand won the match by five wickets.
Who Said What?
Losing skipper, Najmul Hossain Shanto
I thought we started well with the bat but we lost wickets in the middle. On this pitch we didn’t bat well. (Middle order dismissals) It’s a pretty good wicket. we just needed two big partnerships. It was disappointing after the ten-over performance. We should’ve carried on. (Nahid) He is brilliant, the way he bowled he has made us happy. Last few years our bowling unit has done a great job but our batters need to step up. (Pakistan game) It’s an important game. It will be a confidence booster.
Winning skipper, Mitchell Santner
Feels nice to qualify. Knew Bangladesh would be a challenge. The way we pulled things back with the ball was amazing. Hard to take middle-overs wickets in ODIs and Bracewell was amazing. He’s a quality bowler now, the way he can change his pace on these wickets is outstanding. Bowls a lot to right-handers to
Player of the Match, Michael Bracewell
Awesome to contribute to a win. Main focus today was to win and get the semi-final spot. (His lessons from bowling in the tri-series) Just keeping the stumps in play. If you give width, guys can score freely. The breeze across was like the conditions at home. Our side is pretty well balanced. I’m geared up to bowl ten overs every game even at Eden Park, but sometimes you don’t. I was hoping not to get the pad on to bat but it’s always nice to go out there and finish the game. Rachin just goes from strength to strength in ICC events and that’s good to see.
India
