Rachin’s century powers New Zealand into Champions Trophy semis

KATHMANDU: New Zealand secured a semifinal spot in the Champions Trophy with a game to spare after defeating Bangladesh by five wickets on Sunday.

India has also advanced to the last four from the group.

Chasing 237, New Zealand reached the target in 46.1 overs, losing five wickets.

Rachin Ravindra starred with a match-winning 112 off 105 balls, hitting 12 fours and a six. He completed his fourth ODI century in 95 deliveries.

Rachin shared a crucial 129-run stand with Tom Latham (55 off 76) for the fourth wicket. Devon Conway added 30, while Glenn Phillips remained unbeaten on 21. Bangladesh’s Rishad Hossain, Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman, and Taskin Ahmed picked up a wicket each.

Earlier, Bangladesh posted 236/9 after being put in to bat at the Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium. Captain Najmul Hussain Shanto top-scored with 77 off 110 balls, including nine fours. Zakir Ali (45 off 55) and Rishad Hossain (26) made valuable contributions.

For New Zealand, Michael Bracewell claimed four wickets, Will O’Rourke took two, while Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry bagged one each.

With this win, New Zealand remains unbeaten in Group A, topping the table with two victories. Bangladesh is eliminated after back-to-back losses. New Zealand had earlier thrashed hosts Pakistan in their opening match.

Up next, New Zealand will face India in their final group match, while Australia takes on South Africa on Tuesday.