Rachin Ravindra’s fourth ODI century inspired a comeback win for New Zealand as they comfortably defeated Bangladesh by six wickets. The Kiwis had a shaky start, losing two wickets in the powerplay, with Will Young and Kane Williamson dismissed for single-digit scores by Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana. However, it was Rachin Ravindra's performance that turned the game around after he made his return to the side following a recent head injury sustained during the tri-nation series against Pakistan.
After New Zealand found themselves at 15/2 within the first five overs, Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway stabilized the innings with a partnership of 57 runs off 73 balls. Once Conway was dismissed for 30 runs off 45 balls by Mustafizur Rahman, Tom Latham joined Ravindra at the crease. Both looked in good form, with Ravindra playing the role of the aggressor while Latham anchored his innings, accumulating runs patiently.
As the partnership approached victory, Rachin Ravindra completed his fourth ODI century in just 95 balls, scoring 100 runs that included 12 boundaries and one six. Despite his success with boundaries, he demonstrated impressive quickness between the wickets and exhibited composure under pressure.
New Record Set By Rachin Ravindra
Rachin Ravindra becomes the first ever cricketer to score a century on World Cup Debut and Champions Trophy Debut.
Rachin Ravindra has more centuries in the ICC tournaments surpassing the likes of Kane Williamson and Nathan Astle.
Rachin Ravindra (11 innings) | 4 Hundreds |
Kane Williamson (34 innings) | 3 Hundreds |
Nathan Astle (35 innings)Â | 3 Hundred |
With less than 50 runs needed for victory, Ravindra attempted to accelerate the scoring with quick boundaries but ended up losing his wicket to Rishad Hossain. The bowler delivered a tossed-up ball, and Ravindra's slog sweep found the hands of Parvez Emon at the boundary.
Glenn Phillips then joined Tom Latham in the middle, and the duo played a slow and steady game rather than rushing to finish the match. Latham brought up his fifty, playing an innings filled with patience and timing, demonstrating excellent composure under pressure as the wicketkeeper-batter maintained his form.
Just when things seemed to be going smoothly, Latham made an unnecessary attempt for a run and was run out due to a direct hit from Mahmudullah, who fielded at mid-on. Michael Bracewell came in at this point with New Zealand at 214/5, needing 22 runs to win. Glenn Phillips hit a six and a boundary to bring the team closer to their target.Â
With just 6 needed both Michael Bracewell and Glenn Philips steered towards the victory by hitting boundaries and finishing the chase in style to defeat Bangladesh by 5 wickets and Knocks out both Bangladesh and Pakistan from the tournament. New Zealand and India are through the Semi Finals, the next fixture between these two team will decide who will top the Group A table.
Player of the Match - Michael Bracewell
Michael Bracewell was awarded with the Player of the Match for his 4/29. Notably this is his best figures in ODI Cricket. During the post match presentation Michael Bracewell was asked about his and his team's main Objective. He said
Awesome to contribute to a win. Our main objective was getting to that semi-final spot. It was about keeping the stumps in play and bowling straight, not making it easy for them to score. There was some help on the surface, but you don’t have any real control once the ball has left your hand. Our side is pretty well balanced. I was hoping I won’t need to get the pads on, but don’t mind. Rachin and Latham set up the game perfectly, made things easier in the end.
