New Zealand, India qualify for Champions Trophy semi-finals

A superb century from Rachin Ravindra on Champions Trophy debut landed New Zealand their semi-final spot at the marquee ICC event.

Chasing 237, Rachin Ravindra took full control of the chase, slamming his fourth ODI century, combining with Tom Latham for a 129-run fourth wicket stand, after the duo took over from 72/3.

New Zealand's win meant that hosts Pakistan were knocked out of the tournament alongside Bangladesh, as India made their way into the final four as well along with the Black Caps. Both Men in Blue and Black Caps have two wins from two games in the event.

Rachin Ravindra shines with memorable Champions Trophy ton | BAN v NZ | Champions Trophy 2025

After early strikes rocked New Zealand, Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra proceeded to steady the ship for the Black Caps, combining to counter-attack the Bangladesh bowlers and forging a steady fifty-run partnership.

Just as Conway kept going, an inside edge onto the stumps did the trick for Mustafizur Rahman as the left-hand batter's 30-run knock came to a halt.

But Ravindra kept going, notching up his fifth half-century in ODI cricket off his 50th ball at the crease.

Tom Latham also stepped in with a crucial knock, stitching together a whirlwind partnership for the fourth wicket as New Zealand looked for redemption from their unexpected start.

Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway slam boundaries to get New Zealand back on track | BAN v NZ | Champions Trophy 2025

Earlier, Taskin Ahmed got Bangladesh off to the perfect start as he rattled Will Young's stumps off the final delivery of the first over for a duck.

It was Kane Williamson's turn to depart next as he chased one from Nahid Rana outside off stump, only for it to take a nick and fall in the safe hands of Mushfiqur Rahim.

Ravindra went on to complete 1000 runs in ODI cricket in his 26th innings - fifth fastest for the Black Caps.

How the Bangladesh innings unfolded:

Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Shanto took Bangladesh off to a strong start, rotating the strike and punching the good balls to the boundary.

Just when the Bangladesh openers looked set to complete a 50-run stand, Michel Bracewell made an impact off his very second ball of the game to send Tanzid Hasan (24) back to the dugout in the ninth over, with Kane Williamson grabbing a neat one.

Will O'Rourke gave New Zealand's second breakthrough of the game, dismissing Mehidy Hasan, who had smashed two glorious boundaries in his short stay at the crease as skipper Mitchell Santner displayed his safe hands this time at mid-on.

New Zealand's brilliant catching prowess was once again on display as Williamson latched onto another superb grab to get rid of Tawhid Hridoy, giving Bracewell his second of the game.

Following which, Rachin Ravindra caught another one to scalp Mushfiqur Rahim's wicket in Bracewell's very next over.

Mahmuddulah was the next atter to fall prey to New Zealand's brilliance on the field, as O'Rourke's safe hands landed Bracewell's fourth of the game in the form of Mahmud Ullah.

Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto kept going, notching up his 10th ODI half-century to keep Bangladesh's scorecard ticking from one end.

After a sluggish start, Jaker Ali stepped in with a crucial knock towards the end as he took Bangladesh past the 200-run mark.

The batter was run out in the penultimate over of the game, having notched up 45 off 55 that helped Bangladesh inch towards a decent total.

At the end of the 50 overs, Bangladesh posted 236/9, leaving New Zealand needing 237 to grab their semi-final spot alongside India.