New Zealand Battles Bangladesh for Semifinal Spot in Champions Trophy

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan — New Zealand faces off against Bangladesh in a crucial ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on February 24, 2025. With a semifinal berth at stake, both teams have significant motivations, with Bangladesh needing a win to keep their tournament hopes alive.

After losing their opening match against India by 60 runs, Bangladesh elected to bat first after New Zealand won the toss. The Bangladeshi innings led by skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, who scored 77 runs, culminated in a total of 236 runs from 50 overs. Other notable scores came from Jaker Ali, who contributed 45 runs, while Rishad Hossain and Tanzid Hasan chipped in with 26 and 24 runs respectively.

New Zealand’s bowlers played a pivotal role, with Michael Bracewell claiming four wickets. Will O’Rourke and Matt Henry provided critical support by taking two and one wicket, respectively. Shane Bond, New Zealand’s bowling coach, praised the attack’s discipline, stating, “We executed our plans well, which is critical in a tournament setting.”

As New Zealand began their chase for 237 runs, they quickly faced pressure when losing two early wickets, with Will Young and Kane Williamson both dismissed cheaply. As of the last update, the Blackcaps stood at 58 runs for two wickets in just 12 overs, with Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway on the crease, trying to steady the innings.

New Zealand requires a victory to qualify for the semifinals, which would eliminate Bangladesh and Pakistan from the race for the final four. “Every match is crucial in this format, and we’re focused on getting the job done,” said New Zealand’s captain Mitchell Santner.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, is fighting to stay alive in the tournament and needs a win to extend their chances for advancement. As mentioned by their coach, “We’ve had our ups and downs, but today is a new chance to prove ourselves.” This match serves as a do-or-die situation for both teams, amplifying its significance in the Champions Trophy.