Pakistan's CT25 journey ends as New Zealand beat Bangladesh

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan, the defending champions and hosts of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, have been eliminated from the eight-team tournament after New Zealand beat Bangladesh by five wickets at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.

After suffering two consecutive defeats, Pakistan’s hopes of advancing to the next stage relied on the outcomes of the remaining Group A matches. Pakistan’s slim chances hinged on Bangladesh beating New Zealand, followed by its own convincing win over Bangladesh on February 27.

However, New Zealand’s triumph on Monday sealed the fate of both Pakistan and Bangladesh, eliminating them from the tournament. As a result, New Zealand and India have advanced to the semi-final stage from Group A.

Pakistan and Bangladesh will play a purely ceremonial match on February 27 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium as the outcome will not affect the outcome of Group A, except deciding the last two teams.

Chasing a modest 237, New Zealand got off to a worst possible start as they lost Will Young, the centurion of their game against Pakistan, without a run on the scoreboard. He was bowled by Taskin Ahmed in the very first over.

Kane Williamson also failed to make an impact as he fell to Nahid Rana for just 5 runs, leaving New Zealand reeling at 15-2. However, the arrival of Rachin Ravindra, who made a successful return from injury, marked a turning point in the match.

Rachin Ravindra joined opener Devon Conway, and the pair added 47 crucial runs for the third wicket. Devon Conway’s 30-run knock, laced with six fours, ended when he was bowled by Mustafizur Rehman, leaving New Zealand 72-3.

The match-defining partnership came when Tom Latham joined Rachin Ravindra, and together they stitched a 129-run stand for the fourth wicket. Rachin Ravindra went on to complete a magnificent century, adorned with 12 fours and a six, before falling to Rishad Hossain for 112 off 105 deliveries.

Tom Latham played a crucial supporting role, scoring 55 runs off 76 deliveries, including three boundaries. However, his innings came to an abrupt end when he was run out with New Zealand still requiring 23 runs to seal the victory.

Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell finished the job for New Zealand as they reached the target with 23 deliveries to spare.

For Bangladesh, Rishad Hossain, Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rehman and Taskin Ahmed picked up a wicket each.

Earlier, Michael Bracewell bagged a four-fer as New Zealand restricted Bangladesh to 236. After being put bat first, Bangladesh looked solid as opening pair Tanzid Hasan and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto gave them a 45-run stand.

New Zealand got their first breakthrough in the ninth over when Michael Bracewell dismissed Tanzid Hasan on 24 off 24 deliveries. Mehidy Hasan Miraz then joined Najmul Hossain Shanto, however, he departed after scoring 13 runs.

Towhid Hridoy arrived at the crease with the scoreboard showing 64/2 in 12 overs in their Champions Trophy 2025 game.

Hridoy fell victim to Bracewell after scoring just seven runs as Bangladesh were restricted to 97 over the loss of three wickets. Mushfiqur Rahim (2) and Mahmudullah (5) were also dismissed by Michael Bracewell, with Najmul Hossain Shanto standing firm at the crease.

Jaker Ali was then involved in a crucial 45-run stand with Shanto to help Bangladesh go past 150. The Bangladesh captain’s 77-run knock came to an end in the 38th over as Bangladesh fell to 163/6.

Rishad Hossain then joined hands with Jaker Ali to stitch a 33-run stand before his dismissal on 26 off 25 balls.

Jaker Ali fell after scoring 45 runs and Taskin Ahmed made 10 to take Bangladesh to 236/9 in their 50 overs in their Champions Trophy 2025 game. For New Zealand Michael Bracewell took four wickets, Will O’Rourke picked up two wickets while Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry took one wicket each.

New Zealand have kicked off their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign on a high after a commanding victory over hosts Pakistan in the tournament opener on February 19. Bangladesh, on the other hand, were defeated by India in their opening game in Dubai on February 20.