Ravindra Guides NZ to 5-Wicket Win Against Bangladesh

Rachin Ravindra was the star of the show, scoring a brilliant 112 off 105 balls to guide New Zealand to their target of 237 with 23 balls to spare.

Bangladesh, facing a must-win scenario, batted first and posted 236/9. Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scored with 77 off 110 balls, but the team struggled to build momentum. Jaker Ali (45 off 55) and Rishad Hossain (26 off 25) offered some late resistance, but Michael Bracewell's brilliant 4/26 restricted them to a below-par total.

"Awesome to contribute to a win. The main focus today was to win and secure the semi-final spot," said Bracewell after the match.

New Zealand's chase got off to a rocky start as Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana struck early, removing Will Young and Kane Williamson cheaply. Nahid, with his added pace, brought a new dimension to Bangladesh's attack, a crucial element missing in their previous match against India, which led to his surprise omission.

However, Ravindra's composed century and a solid 129-run fourth-wicket partnership with Tom Latham (55 off 76) ensured New Zealand gained control. Ravindra’s innings, which included 12 fours and a six, was finally ended by Rishad Hossain, but by then, New Zealand were well on their way to victory. Glenn Phillips (21*) and Bracewell (11*) saw their team home with ease.

With the win, New Zealand progressed to the semi-finals, while Bangladesh's hopes were dashed following consecutive defeats.

Bangladesh and Pakistan will now face off in their final match of the tournament on February 27th.