New Zealand stamped their authority on the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a commanding victory over Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, propelling them to the top of the Group A points table and sealing their place in the knockout stages of the competition. With a professional all-round performance, the Black Caps outclassed their opponents, flexing their title credentials once again.
Bangladesh, asked to bat first, failed to generate any real momentum as Michael Bracewell kept them in check with a four-wicket haul. Despite some resistance from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Jakir Ali, the Tigers only managed to put a below-par 236/9 on the board on a surface that was described as a “belter.”
Bangladesh did not go away easily, though, as early wickets threatened the Black Caps’ chase. However, the returning Rachin Ravindra showed his class once again, scoring a scintillating century to guide his side’s run-chase. With valuable contributions from Devon Conway and Tom Latham, the Kiwis had little trouble getting home with five wickets to spare.
The win not only takes New Zealand to the top of the Group A points table but also books a place for them in the tournament’s semifinals alongside India.
Group A Standings After New Zealand vs. Bangladesh
| Team | M | W | L | N/R | PT | NRR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0.863 |
|
| India | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | +0.647 | |
| Bangladesh | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | -0.443 | |
| Pakistan | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | -1.087 |
New Zealand’s triumph also means Pakistan and Bangladesh are now officially eliminated from the tournament, as both teams sit winless at the bottom of the table. With India and New Zealand securing their semifinal spots, the battle now shifts to who will qualify at the top, with the decision set to take place on March 2nd when the two unbeaten teams meet in Dubai.
