Right then, that is it from this one-sided affair where New Zealand goes through and knocks out Bangladesh. Next up in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is a big clash between Australia and South Africa. A lot is at stake as a win for either will confirm their spot in the semi-final. That match is scheduled to be played on 25th February, Tuesday at 9 am GMT. But as you know, you can always join us early for all the build-up to the action. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Mitchell Santner, the victorious skipper of New Zealand says that it is a nice feeling, qualifying to the semi-final as this match was tough and they did well. The way they pulled it back in the middle with the ball was pleasing, and they are pretty happy with the bowling of Bracewell. Adds that Michael Bracewell is a quality bowler and the way he varies his pace makes it quite difficult for the batters to play. Tells the key to any win is taking wickets in the middle phase, and he is happy that they did exactly that. Mentions that the pitch was a bit two-paced as the dew wasn’t as much as they would have expected. Talks about the batting of Rachin Ravindra, he likes to play in ICC events, and it looks like he has never left the game. That partnership with Tom Latham was match-changing. Says about the match versus India that the surface may be a bit slower and the spinners will come into play there as well.

Najmul Hossain Shanto, the captain of Bangladesh, says that they batted well in the first ten overs, but they lost too many wickets in the middle phase. Adds that it was a good wicket to bat on and they needed two big partnerships but he is disappointed with the middle order. Praises Nahid Rana for his impressive bowling and says he has a lot of potential. Mentions that the next match is still a big game for them as they want to finish the tournament on a positive note. Ends by saying that they just need to put on a collective performance to challenge Pakistan.

Michael Bracewell is PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his impressive bowling with four wickets. He says that it is awesome to contribute to the win as the main focus was coming here and to win it and secure the semi-final spot. He says that he just wants to keep the stumps in the game as if you give any width to the batter, they can free their arms so it is key to bowl to wicket to wicket and tight lines. Adds that the breeze of here reminds him of Wellington, and he has bowled in these conditions. Mentions that their side looks pretty well balanced and they are just trying to play, what is in front of them and he is pretty happy to bowl the full quota of his 10 overs. Talks about the partnership between Rachin Ravindra and Tom Latham, it was nice to finish the game as Rachin is going from strength to strength in the ICC events, and he is a wonderful player.

Presentation Time...

Bangladesh simply didn’t have enough runs to defend. Taskin Ahmed got them off to a dream start with a wicket in the first over, and Nahid Rana’s dismissal of Kane Williamson sparked some hope. But they failed to build on that momentum, allowing a couple of big partnerships to take the game away. A missed run-out chance when Rachin Ravindra was in his 20s and another dropped catch later proved costly. Rishad Hossain and Fizz picked up a wicket each, but by then, the damage was done, sealing yet another group-stage exit for Bangladesh in an ICC tournament.

Earlier in the game, Bangladesh once again found it tough to put up a big total. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto fought hard with a gritty 77 but lacked solid support from the rest. Jaker Ali played a handy knock, while Tanzid Hasan and Rishad Hossain chipped in, but it wasn’t enough. Michael Bracewell was the standout with the ball for New Zealand, grabbing four wickets, while the pacers combined to pick up four more, keeping Bangladesh in check.

New Zealand were in early trouble, losing Young and Williamson cheaply, but Rachin Ravindra, making his return after a head injury, joined Devon Conway to rebuild the innings. The duo looked assured, stitching together a crucial stand before Conway fell after a steady start. Ravindra, however, was in sublime touch, smashing a brilliant fourth ODI century and becoming the first Kiwi to score 4 hundred in ICC events, while Tom Latham continued his fine form with a well-crafted fifty. Though both fell before the finish line, Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell ensured there were no late stumbles, sealing a comfortable win with plenty of balls to spare!

NEW ZEALAND MARCH INTO THE SEMIS! This win not only seals their spot but also confirms India's place in the final four, leaving just the race for the top spot in the group. Pakistan’s long-awaited ICC tournament at home ends in disappointment as they, along with Bangladesh, become the first teams to bow out. The Blackcaps continue to dominate in this format, looking sharper than ever and determined to get their hands on the trophy!

There is a bit of a delay. There seems to be an issue with a flicker of light on the sight screen. The umpires are asking Phillips to just continue as they need just 6 runs to win. That area now has been blocked by some black material and we are good to go again.