Champions Trophy: Ravindra’s masterclass sends Pakistan and Bangladesh packing

Dubai: Rawalpindi witnessed another Rachin Ravindra masterclass as the young all-rounder single-handedly crushed Pakistan’s hopes of staying in the Champions Trophy. His century against Bangladesh not only sealed New Zealand’s semi-final spot but also sent both Asian teams packing from Group A.

Returning to the XI after a nasty cut on his forehead during the tri-series against Pakistan, Ravindra showed no signs of rust as he anchored New Zealand’s chase with a superb 112. His composed knock guided the Black Caps to a five-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on Monday, sealing their place in the semi-finals, while knocking out both Bangladesh and Pakistan.

The Black Caps found themselves in early trouble after losing two wickets, including the dependable Kane Williamson. However, Ravindra, in the company of Devon Conway, steadied the innings and punished Bangladesh for their sloppy fielding. The young left-hander grew in confidence, turning his start into a match-winning century.

Ravindra enjoys batting in the subcontinent and proved it once again, adding to his 578-run tally from the 2023 World Cup in India. The Bengaluru-born all-rounder registered his fourth ODI hundred, underlining his big-match credentials. He now boasts centuries on both his Champions Trophy debut and ICC World Cup debut.

Though he didn’t win the Player of the Match award, Ravindra did what mattered most — steering New Zealand into the semi-finals.

New Zealand spinner Michael Bracewell took home the Player of the Match award, delivering career-best ODI figures of 4-26 to choke Bangladesh’s innings.

Put in to bat, Bangladesh started well, with skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and Tanzid Hasan laying a decent foundation. However, the Tigers faltered in the middle overs, losing wickets in clusters, including those of veterans Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim.

Jaker Ali’s late resistance, alongside No 8 Rishad Hossain’s quickfire 26, pushed Bangladesh to a respectable yet below-par 236-9.

“I thought we started well with the bat, but we lost wickets in the middle. On this pitch, we didn’t bat well. It’s a pretty good wicket. We just needed two big partnerships. It was disappointing after the ten-over performance,” Shanto admitted.

“Over the last few years, our bowling unit has done a great job, but our batters need to step up.”

Bangladesh will face defending champions and hosts Pakistan in their final group match — a dead rubber — but Shanto is eager to end their campaign on a winning note.

New Zealand now shift their focus to Sunday’s clash against India, which will determine the final group standings. The Black Caps will face a different challenge against Rohit Sharma’s men, who have been in dominant form, winning all five of their recent ODI matches.

With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in prime touch — Kohli scoring his 51st ODI century while surpassing 14,000 runs against Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday — the New Zealand bowlers will have their work cut out.

Santner praised Bracewell’s spell and acknowledged the upcoming challenge: “Feels nice to qualify for the semi-finals. The way we pulled things back with the ball was amazing. Hard to take wickets in the middle overs in ODIs, and Bracewell was outstanding. He’s a quality bowler. The way he can change his pace on these wickets is outstanding. India will be a different challenge on a different surface.”

A different challenge awaits in Dubai, but the Black Caps have a history of rising when it matters. Just as they stunned India in the 2021 T20 World Cup at the same venue, New Zealand will look to script another upset — one that could send a strong message ahead of the semi-finals.