Rachin Ravindra steered New Zealand into the Champions Trophy semi-finals after hitting his fourth ODI century in a five-wicket victory over Bangladesh. Ravindra lit up the Group A clash in Rawalpindi, scoring 112 after arriving at the crease with New Zealand in trouble at 15 for two.
Their pursuit of 237 for victory began badly as opener Will Young was bowled through the gate for a duck, then Kane Williamson edged behind on five. Ravindra initially set about the innings rebuild with Devon Conway, who was out for 30 after adding 57 for the third wicket, then took charge alongside Tom Latham.
Their 129-run partnership moved the game away from Bangladesh, and the job was almost done when Ravindra holed out in the deep off Rishad Hossain’s bowling. His innings featured 12 fours and one six, and followed previous ODI hundreds against England, Australia and Pakistan.
With Ravindra back in the pavilion, Latham assumed a lead role, but he was run out for 55 with 22 runs still required after Mahmudullah’s direct hit from mid-on sent him packing. It left Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell to calm any late nerves, seeing the Black Caps home with 3.5 overs to spare and securing a win that also meant India progressing into the last four, while Bangladesh and Pakistan bowed out.
Bracewell earlier played a key role with the ball after Bangladesh finished on 236 for nine following New Zealand’s decision to field first. His four for 26 was the best return by a New Zealander in Champions Trophy history as he removed four of Bangladesh’s top-six batters.
Bracewell dismissed Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah as Bangladesh slipped to 118 for five. But captain Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scored with 77, while there were important contributions lower down the order from Jaker Ali (45) and Hossain (26) that assisted the recovery process.
