Ravindra, Bracewell star as NZ reach Champions Trophy semi-finals

New Zealand are through to the 2025 Champions Trophy semi-finals after beating Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on Monday, with Michael Bracewell and Rachin Ravindra starring in the five-wicket victory.

The Black Caps’ victory means India — who are favourites to win the tournament across leading cricket bookmakers — have also qualified for the last four.

The remaining two teams in Group A — Bangladesh and hosts Pakistan — are now eliminated from the event.

It was another brilliant effort with the ball by the Kiwis, with Bracewell taking four wickets at an economy rate of just 2.60 to stifle Bangladesh.

Tanzid Hasan (24) and Najmul Shanto (77) began strongly for Bangladesh, who came into the match as +350 underdogs at Marantelli Bet.

The pair put on 45 runs for the opening wicket before Hasan became the first of Bracewell’s victims.

Wickets fell steadily over the middle overs, with Mehidy Miraz (13), Towhid Hridoy (7), Mushfiqur Rahim (2) and Mahmadullah (4) all failing to get starts.

Jaker Ali (45) and Rishad Hossain (26) gave some resistance after captain Shanto fell, but ultimately Bangladesh were only able to splutter to a sub-par 9/236 from their 50 overs.

A brief glimmer of hope existed for fans of the men in green, however, as New Zealand quickly slipped to 2/15 when Will Young (0) and Kane Williamson (5) got out cheaply.

Ravindra (112) soon extinguished that hope, though, combining with Devon Conway (30) and Tom Latham (55) to knock off the lion’s share of the chase.

Though none of New Zealand’s primary contributors were able to carry their bats, Glenn Phillips (21*) and Bracewell (11*) ensured the Black Caps got over the line with 23 balls to spare.

“Feels nice to qualify,” Kiwi captain Mitchell Santner said after the match.

“Knew Bangladesh would be a challenge. 

“The way we pulled things back with the ball was amazing. 

“Hard to take middle-overs wickets in ODIs and Bracewell was amazing. 

“He’s a quality bowler now, the way he can change his pace on these wickets is outstanding.”

New Zealand’s victory has done little to impact outright betting odds for the 2025 Champions Trophy.

They remain on the third line of betting at +400 with online bookmakers, behind India (+130) and Australia (+350).

The world No.4 team will play India for top spot in Group A on Sunday in Dubai, and BetOnline has NZ as +200 underdogs to upset the tournament favourites.

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