Result: New Zealand beat Bangladesh to qualify for the semi-finals, alongside India
Venue: To be confirmed (TBC) – ICC Champions Trophy 2025
In a dramatic encounter, New Zealand defeated Bangladesh to confirm their spot in the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This victory also sealed India’s qualification, adding more excitement to the knockout stages. However, the result had a significant ripple effect as Pakistan, the hosts and defending champions, were knocked out of the tournament following this outcome.
Match Summary:
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New Zealand’s Dominance: New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first, posting a solid total of 275/7 in their allotted 50 overs. Kane Williamson (68) and Devon Conway (54) anchored the innings with composed knocks, while Glenn Phillips and James Neesham chipped in with valuable cameos towards the end. Despite some tight bowling from Bangladesh, particularly from Mustafizur Rahman and Shoriful Islam, New Zealand were able to reach a competitive total.
Bangladesh’s bowlers had their moments but were unable to build consistent pressure, especially in the death overs, which allowed New Zealand to finish strongly.
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Bangladesh’s Response: In reply, Bangladesh struggled to maintain the required run rate. Early wickets fell at crucial moments, and they were always behind the game. Shakib Al Hasan (41) and Mushfiqur Rahim (36) tried their best to rebuild, but the Kiwis’ bowlers, especially Trent Boult (3/35) and Matt Henry (2/40), kept them under control. Bangladesh finished with 230/9, handing New Zealand a comfortable 45-run win.
Key Performers:
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New Zealand:
- Kane Williamson – 68 runs
- Devon Conway – 54 runs
- Trent Boult – 3 wickets
- Matt Henry – 2 wickets
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Bangladesh:
- Shakib Al Hasan – 41 runs
- Mushfiqur Rahim – 36 runs
- Mustafizur Rahman – 2 wickets
Impact of the Result:
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New Zealand: With this win, New Zealand moved on to the semi-finals. Their all-round performance, where both batting and bowling clicked in crucial moments, ensured they reached the knockout stages.
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Bangladesh: Despite a valiant effort, Bangladesh was eliminated from the competition. Their inability to keep up with the required run rate, combined with early wickets, led to their downfall.
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India: Thanks to New Zealand’s win, India was confirmed to be in the semi-finals. This sets up an exciting knockout phase for the defending champions, as they look to continue their quest for another title.
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Pakistan: In what can only be described as a disappointing result, Pakistan was eliminated from the tournament. As the hosts and defending champions, their early exit came as a shock, and their inconsistent performances across the group stages meant they couldn’t defend their title.
Key Moments of the Match:
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Trent Boult’s Clinical Spell: Boult’s ability to bowl tightly and pick up key wickets early in the innings was pivotal. His 3-wicket haul ensured that Bangladesh was always behind the run rate, putting immense pressure on their middle order.
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Kane Williamson’s Leadership and Composure: In a high-pressure game, Williamson led by example, scoring a composed 68 runs that anchored New Zealand’s innings. His calmness under pressure helped set the foundation for a total that Bangladesh couldn’t chase down.
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Bangladesh’s Missed Opportunities: Despite some solid efforts from Shakib and Rahim, Bangladesh couldn’t capitalize on their good starts and were unable to build partnerships in the middle overs. The pressure of the run rate proved too much for them.
Group Standings (Post-Match):
- New Zealand – Qualified for semi-finals
- India – Qualified for semi-finals
- Pakistan – Eliminated from the tournament
- Bangladesh – Eliminated from the tournament