New Zealand and India Secure Champions Trophy Semi-Final Spots, Pakistan and Bangladesh Eliminated

New Zealand and India have officially booked their places in the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, following New Zealand’s commanding five-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on Monday. This win ensures that hosts Pakistan and Bangladesh are eliminated from contention, leaving the two teams to battle for mere consolation points in their final group-stage encounter.

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With both New Zealand and India securing qualification from Group A, they will now face off in Dubai on March 2 to determine the group winner. However, the outcome of this match will not affect the semi-final fixtures. India will play the first semi-final in Dubai on March 4, while New Zealand will contest the second semi-final in Lahore on March 5.

New Zealand’s Clinical Performance Secures Victory

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner praised his team’s disciplined performance, particularly the efforts of Player of the Match, Michael Bracewell, who played a pivotal role in dismantling Bangladesh’s batting lineup.

“We knew Bangladesh would be a tough challenge on this wicket, and I think the way we were able to pull it back with the ball in the middle overs was pleasing,” Santner stated during the post-match presentation. “That's probably the hardest thing in one-day cricket, to take wickets in the middle, and I think Bracewell was outstanding.”

Bracewell delivered a match-winning spell, finishing with figures of 4 for 26 in his ten-over spell, which included an incredible 43 dot balls. His timely breakthroughs restricted Bangladesh to a modest 236/9. Meanwhile, Rachin Ravindra anchored the run chase with a brilliant century, scoring 112 off 105 balls to guide New Zealand to victory.

Bangladesh started strongly at 45/0 before Bracewell was introduced in the ninth over. His immediate impact saw Bangladesh lose quick wickets, slumping to 119/5 by the 27th over. Bracewell credited his success to his experience from the recently concluded tri-series against Pakistan and South Africa.

“It’s awesome to contribute to a win,” Bracewell said. “The main focus was coming here and securing that semi-final spot, and we were able to do that today. The key was to keep the stumps in play as much as possible because offering width on these pitches allows batters to free their arms.”

Pakistan and Bangladesh Knocked Out, Face-Off for Consolation Points

Bangladesh and Pakistan, both winless in the tournament so far, are now out of the running for the semi-finals. The two teams will clash in a dead rubber on February 27 in Rawalpindi, with nothing but pride at stake.

For Pakistan, elimination on home soil is a significant disappointment, especially considering their strong performances in recent ICC tournaments. Meanwhile, Bangladesh will be left reflecting on missed opportunities and inconsistent performances throughout the group stage.

Group B Still Up for Grabs

While Group A’s semi-finalists are confirmed, the race in Group B remains wide open. Australia and South Africa, who are set to face off in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, are both in contention for a knockout stage berth. However, England and Afghanistan, who lost their opening matches, are left with little margin for error as they aim to stay in the hunt.

Cricket fans can expect an exciting conclusion to the group stage, with crucial games ahead determining who will join India and New Zealand in the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.