Champions Trophy: Rachin ton powers New Zealand into semifinals

Rachin Ravindra's century leads New Zealand to victory over Bangladesh, knocking Pakistan out of Champions Trophy contention.

A large number of spectators turned up at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday, hoping for Bangladesh to pull off a stunner against New Zealand and keep Pakistan alive in the Champions Trophy semifinals race.

A defeat against India had dented Pakistan’s hopes of making the knockouts, but the fans were still hoping against hope.

After putting up a modest 236 for nine, it was a promising start by Bangladesh fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana, dismissing Will Young and Kane Williamson inside the first three overs.

However, Rachin Ravindra had different plans. Having missed out on the tournament opener after being struck by the ball on his forehead during the tri-series earlier this month, Rachin (112, 105b, 12x4, 1x6) returned to action in style, bringing up his fourth ODI century as New Zealand stormed into the semifinals with a five-wicket win. India also advanced while it was curtains for both Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Rachin came in at No. 4 for the first time in his ODI career with New Zealand reeling at 15 for two. He took a bit of time to settle in and dealt Rana and Taskin with caution before forging two crucial partnerships — 57 for the third wicket with Devon Conway, followed by a decisive 129-run stand with Tom Latham — to tun the tide in favour of the Kiwis.

As Bangladesh bowlers failed to make inroads, Rachin and Latham (55, 76b, 3x4) made the most of sloppy fielding.

Rachin earned praise from former Australian batter Matthew Hayden, who said on air: “Gentlemen, we are seeing the emergence of one of the great modern-day players…”