After recovering from a head injury, New Zealand cricketer Rachin Ravindra makes his comeback with a great match-winning century against Bangladesh to secure Blackcaps' place in the Semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This result means that India also booked their place for the Semi-finals of the tournament, while the hosts and defending champions Pakistan are out of the tournament despite one match to be played. 

Rawalpindi hosted the Group A Bangladesh vs New Zealand match, where the Blackcaps skipper Mitchell Santner chose to field first. Bangladesh scored 236/9 in 50 overs, and Bangladesh chased down the target in 46.1 overs after losing five wickets.

See Also: India Qualify for Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Finals & Pakistan Knocked Out

Bangladesh captain fought hard along with Jaker Ali

Bangladesh had a better start as the openers Tanzid Hasan and captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto set up a 45-run partnership for the first wicket. Once that partnership was broken, as Tanzir was dismissed for run-a-ball 24 runs, the Tigers were losing the next wickets at regular intervals, as the skipper didn't get proper support from the other end. 

Struggling at 118/5, Shanto got some support from Jaker Ali, as they had a 45-run partnership for the sixth wicket. After completing his 50 in 71 balls, Shanto carried his innings to 77 off 110 balls with nine fours, as Will O’Rourke dismissed him in the 38th over. Rishad Hossain also added a crucial 26 off 25 balls, while Ali stretched his innings to 45 off 55 balls with three fours and one six.

Among the New Zealand bowlers, Michael Bracewell took four wickets (4/26) and all wickets were Bangladesh's five dismissals, and Will O’Rourke also picked up two wickets (2/48).

New Zealand lost top orders cheaply before Ravindra and Latham set the game

In chasing, New Zealand lost Will Young (0) and Kane Williamson (5) very early. Opener Devon Conway (30) then had a 57-run partnership for the third wicket, before the opening batter was played on during Mustafizur Rahman's over. Struggling at 72/3, New Zealand batters Rachin Ravindra and Tom Latham had a solid partnership of 129 runs for the fourth wicket. Latham scored 55 off 76 balls (three fours), while Ravindra scored 112 off 105 balls with 12 fours and one six. 

Although both the set batters lost their wickets lately, Glenn Phillips (21*) and the Player of the Match Michael Bracewell (11*) comfortably finished the game. 

Defending champions Pakistan are out of the tournament

With this result, India and New Zealand have officially confirmed their place in the Semi-finals with four points each. On the other hand, the hosts and the defending champions Pakistan and Bangladesh are yet to meet in the group stage and both are out of the tournament.