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 9, 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, Ravindra (112, 105b, 12×4, 1×6) returned to action in style, bringing up his fourth ODI century as New Zealand stormed into the semifinals with a five-wicket win. With New Zealand having the last laugh, it was curtains on Pakistan’s campaign.
A first in his ODI career, Ravindra came in at No.4, at a time when New Zealand was reeling at 15 for 2. He took a bit of time to settle in and dealt Rana and Taskin with caution before forging two crucial partnerships – a 57 for the third wicket with Devon Conway, followed by a decisive 129-run stand with Tom Latham – to set the stage for the team’s comeback.
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As Bangladesh bowlers failed to make inroads, Ravindra and Latham (55, 76b, 3×4) made the most of sloppy fielding. Ravindra earned praises from former Australian batter Matthew Hayden, who said on air: “Gentlemen, we are seeing the emergence of one of the great modern-day players…”
Ravindra continued with aggression and maintained a healthy strike rate. While he received a reprieve shortly after reaching the ton, Ravindra couldn’t maximise it and fell to leggie Rishad Hossain.
But by then, New Zealand was on the cusp of a victory.
Earlier, there were 181 dot balls in Bangladesh’s innings, despite captain Najmul Hasan Shanto’s 110-ball-77. Put in, it lost regular wickets, with Michael Bracewell claiming a four-for. A fumbling middle-order and failure to accelerate hurt Bangladesh as it bowed out of another global tournament without making an impact.