Hosts Pakistan out; New Zealand enter semis after India, beating Bangladesh

RAWALPINDI: Hosts Pakistan were eliminated from the Champions Trophy after New Zealand defeated Bangladesh. The Kiwis chased down the target of 237 runs set by Bangladesh for the loss of 5 wickets in the match held at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Youngster Rachin Ravindra scored a brilliant century of 112 (105) to lay the foundation for the victory. While India and New Zealand advanced to the semis, Pakistan and Bangladesh were eliminated in the first round.

Chasing a target of 237 runs, New Zealand lost two wickets early on. Bangladesh showed signs of improvement, dismissing Will Young 0(6) and former captain Kane Williamson 5(4). However, Devon Conway batted confidently alongside Rachin Ravindra with 30 (45). Tom Latham, who came to the crease after Conway was dismissed by Mustafizur, provided Rachin with good support by scoring a half-century of 55 (76). The two of them scored 129 runs for the fourth wicket.

Earlier, Bangladesh, who had batted first, had scored 236 runs for the loss of nine wickets in 50 overs. The performances of captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who scored 77 runs, and Jaker Ali, who scored 45 runs, gave Bangladesh a good score. Tanzid Hasan Tamim scored 24 (24), and Mehidy Hasan Miraz scored 13 (14). Towhid Hridoy, who scored a century against India, scored 7 (24), veteran Mushfiqur Rahim scored 2 (5), and Mahmudullah scored 4 (14).

Off-spinner Michael Bracewell took four wickets for New Zealand. William O'Rourke took two wickets while Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson took one wicket each. The winners of the India-New Zealand match to be held next Sunday in Dubai will advance to the semi-finals as group champions.