Champions Trophy: Ravindra’s Heroic 112 and Bracewell’s Four-Wicket Haul Propel NZ to Semifinals
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On February 24, New Zealand triumphed over Bangladesh by five wickets in a Champions Trophy match, thanks to Rachin Ravindra's stunning century and Michael Bracewell's exceptional bowling. This victory secured New Zealand's place in the semifinals and also ensured India's progression in the tournament.
Key Takeaways
- Rachin Ravindra scored a remarkable 112 runs.
- Michael Bracewell took four wickets, earning him Player of the Match.
- New Zealand chased down 237 runs with 23 balls to spare.
- This win eliminated Bangladesh and Pakistan from the tournament.
- New Zealand joins India in the semifinals.
Rawalpindi, Feb 24 (NationPress) In a remarkable display, Rachin Ravindra starred with the bat while Michael Bracewell shone with the ball, leading New Zealand to a decisive five-wicket victory over Bangladesh in a gripping encounter of the Champions Trophy on Monday. This win not only secured New Zealand's spot in the semifinals but also ensured India's progression.
Bracewell, who was awarded Player of the Match, showcased his bowling prowess with a four-wicket haul, which proved instrumental in limiting Bangladesh to a total of 236/9. New Zealand comfortably chased down the target with 23 balls remaining, propelled by Ravindra's outstanding 112 and Tom Latham's crucial 55. With this victory, New Zealand joined India in the semifinals, while both Pakistan and Bangladesh were eliminated from the tournament.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Bangladesh started strong with openers Tanzid Hasan and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. Tanzid aggressively targeted New Zealand, striking Kyle Jamieson for a four and a six in the second over. Nevertheless, New Zealand regained control, effectively stifling the Bangladeshi batters during the middle overs.
The partnership of 45 runs between Shanto and Tanzid was broken when Bracewell dismissed Tanzid for 21 with his second delivery, a full ball aimed at the pads. Although Mehidy Hasan Miraz entertained the crowd momentarily with a six off Bracewell, he fell soon after in the 12th over to William O’Rourke.
Under increasing pressure, Towhid Hridoy, who had performed admirably against India, was dismissed cheaply by Bracewell for just seven runs. Wickets continued to tumble, with Mushfiqur Rahim also falling to Bracewell. Despite fighting hard, Shanto was dismissed for 77 off 110 balls, top-edging a pull shot off O’Rourke into Bracewell’s hands at mid-on.
As wickets fell consistently, Jaker Ali managed a brief cameo with 45 runs, but was run out in the 49th over by Tom Latham’s quick throw. Taskin Ahmed was bowled by Jamieson in the final over, leaving Bangladesh stranded at 236/9 after their 50 overs.
Chasing a modest target of 237, New Zealand's innings started poorly as Taskin Ahmed bowled out Will Young for a duck in the first over. Nahid Rana, stepping in for the injured Tanzid Shakib, struck again in the fourth over, sending Kane Williamson back for just five runs, leaving the Kiwis in trouble at 15/2.
However, Ravindra's brilliant innings saw him rescue New Zealand. Batting at No. 4, he partnered with Devon Conway to stabilize the innings. Conway looked promising but fell victim to a Mustafizur Rahman delivery.
At 72/3, Ravindra and Latham formed a pivotal 129-run partnership. Ravindra, with his elegant strokes and timely boundaries, scored 112 off 95 balls, featuring 12 fours and a six, demonstrating his skill against Bangladesh’s bowling.
Ravindra's innings ended as he attempted to accelerate after reaching his century, falling to Rishad Hossain for 112. With 23 runs still needed, Latham was run out, adding late drama to the match. Nevertheless, Phillips and Bracewell steered New Zealand to victory, with Phillips sealing the win with a boundary, concluding the match by five wickets.
Brief scores:
Bangladesh 236/9 in 50 overs (Najmul Hossain Shanto 77, Jaker Ali 45; Michael Bracewell 4-26) lost to New Zealand 240/5 in 46.1 overs (Rachin Ravindra 112, Tom Latham 55; Taskin Ahmed 1-28, Nahid Rana 1-43) by five wickets.
