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India and New Zealand have officially secured their places in the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinals following New Zealand's win over Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 24. New Zealand's successful chase of a 237-run target at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium resulted in their second consecutive win, mirroring India's own two-win record, thus confirming their qualification.
New Zealand, India qualify for Champions Trophy semifinals
New Zealand's win means both host nation Pakistan and Bangladesh have been eliminated from the tournament. Both teams have suffered two losses in their respective opening matches, rendering their remaining fixtures inconsequential for semi-final qualification. Pakistan's campaign began with a significant defeat to New Zealand, failing to chase a 321-run target. They then faced further setback against India, who thrashed them by comfortably chasing down the 242-run target. Bangladesh's journey also started with a loss to India, who successfully chased 229, and was compounded by their subsequent defeat to New Zealand.
With the semi-final berths secured by India and New Zealand, the remaining matches in Group A have shifted in significance. The upcoming clash between Pakistan and Bangladesh on February 27th will now be contested solely for pride, as neither team can advance further in the tournament. Similarly, the match between India and New Zealand on March 2nd will determine the top seed in Group A. While both teams have already qualified for the semi-finals, they will be vying for the advantage of finishing at the top of the group standings. In Group B of the tournament, South Africa has established itself as the frontrunner, claiming the top position after a dominant 107-run victory over Afghanistan. Australia closely follows, securing the second spot in the group standings after a five-wicket win against England. These results have set the stage for a competitive Group B, with South Africa and Australia emerging as early favorites. The semi-final match schedule for the Champions Trophy 2025 has been confirmed. India will compete in their semi-final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 4th. New Zealand's semi-final match will take place the following day, March 5, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Rachin Ravindra's century in New Zealand's win
Talking about the match, Rachin Ravindra's century, coupled with Michael Bracewell's exceptional bowling performance, propelled New Zealand to a five-wicket victory over Bangladesh.
After winning the toss and electing to field, New Zealand's bowling attack displayed remarkable control, effectively limiting Bangladesh's scoring. Bangladesh began with a promising 45-run opening partnership, but Michael Bracewell's dismissal of Tanzid Hasan triggered a series of wickets. Bracewell's impressive spell of 4 for 26, combined with William O'Rourke's removal of Mehidy Hasan, significantly disrupted Bangladesh's innings. Bracewell further dismantled the batting lineup by dismissing key players like Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudullah. Despite a valiant 77-run effort from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh could only muster 236 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs.
In their chase, New Zealand faced an early wobble, losing Will Young and Kane Williamson cheaply. Devon Conway provided some stability, but the pivotal partnership came between Rachin Ravindra, who scored a brilliant 112, and Tom Latham, who contributed 55. Their 129-run stand proved decisive. Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell then guided New Zealand to victory, securing a five-wicket win with 23 balls remaining.
New Zealand will now face India in their final group stage match on Sunday, March 2.
