New Zealand Secures Victory Over Bangladesh in ICC Champions Trophy

Image credits: (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

The ICC Champions Trophy has seen its fair share of exciting matches, and the recent encounter between New Zealand and Bangladesh was no exception. New Zealand secured a thrilling victory over Bangladesh by 5 wickets, knocking them out of the tournament. The match was played in Rawalpindi, and New Zealand's win has confirmed early exits for both Bangladesh and hosts Pakistan.

Rachin Ravindra was the star of the show, striking a magnificent match-winning 112 off 105 deliveries on his return for the Black Caps after having missed their opening win over Pakistan with a head injury. His outstanding performance led the Black Caps recovery, firstly with Devon Conway and then Tom Latham, who followed up his own hundred from the tournament opener with a half-century in a 129-run stand for the fourth wicket. The victory has set up a crucial match between New Zealand and India on Sunday for top spot in Group A.

Earlier, Bangladesh squandered a good start with the bat to ultimately post 236-9 after being inserted at the toss by New Zealand. Tigers captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and opening partner Tanzid Hasan cracked 45 from the first eight overs, prompting the early introduction of Michael Bracewell into the attack inside the opening powerplay. The off-spinner would strike with just his second ball, going on to finish with impressive figures of 4-26 from his 10 overs. The match scores were as follows:

• Bangladesh 236-9 in 50 overs: Najmul Hossain Shanto (77), Jaker Ali (45); Michael Bracewell (4-26); Will O'Rourke (2-48)
• New Zealand 240-5 in 46.1 overs: Rachin Ravindra (112 off 105), Tom Latham (55); Taskin Ahmed (1-28), Mustafizur Rahman (1-42)

The ICC Champions Trophy will continue with more exciting matches, including Australia facing South Africa in Rawalpindi on Tuesday in a crucial Group B contest after opening wins for both sides. On Wednesday, England are next in action in a must-win matchup against Afghanistan in Lahore. The tournament schedule is as follows:

• Group A: New Zealand, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan
• Group B: Australia, South Africa, England, Afghanistan
• Semi-finals: To be determined
• Final: To be determined

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will continue to entertain cricket fans around the world, with all matches available to watch live on Sky Sports or stream with NOW. The final will take place on March 9, and fans can catch all the action leading up to it.