New Zealand has secured a spot in the semi-finals of the tournament after defeating Bangladesh by 5 wickets, marking their second consecutive win in 2025. This victory also benefits India, as both teams have now advanced to the Direct Final-4. In the match, Bangladesh scored 236 runs while batting first, and the Kiwi team achieved this target with 23 balls remaining.
The match, played in Rawalpindi, saw Bangladesh take to the field first to bat. Captain Najmul Shanto stood out, saving his team’s credibility with a remarkable performance. Despite the dismissals of Tanjid Hasan, Mehdi Hasan, and Tauheed Hriday, Shanto held strong, scoring 77 runs in 110 balls and putting pressure on the Kiwi team. Contributions from Zakir Ali and Rishad Hussain, who scored 45 and 26 runs respectively, helped Bangladesh reach a respectable total; without these innings, their score would have been significantly lower.
Rachin Ravindra and Tom Latham Lead New Zealand to Victory
The Kiwi team’s successful chase was led by Rachin Ravindra and Tom Latham, who ensured their team’s victory. Their partnership was instrumental in achieving the target of 236 runs with 23 balls to spare.
New Zealand and India Advance to the Semi-Finals
With New Zealand’s win, both they and India have qualified for the semi-finals. This development is significant, as it sets the stage for exciting matches to come in the tournament. Host Pakistan, however, has been eliminated, marking a disappointing turn of events for the home team.