6th Match Cricket enthusiasts worldwide tuned in to witness the thrilling encounter between Bangladesh and New Zealand in the 6th match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Held at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, this match was crucial for both teams, with New Zealand aiming for a spot in the semi-finals and Bangladesh fighting to keep their tournament hopes alive.

2. Match Overview 6th Match

Date: February 24, 2025
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan
Event: ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Group A, 6th Match
Teams: Bangladesh vs. New Zealand
New Zealand won the toss and elected to field first, inviting Bangladesh to set a target under the lights.The Rawalpindi pitch has historically favored batsmen, offering consistent bounce and minimal lateral movement. However, as the game progresses, spinners often find some assistance. The weather was clear, with temperatures hovering around 25°C, providing ideal conditions for cricket.

4. Bangladesh’s Innings

Opening StandBangladesh’s innings began with openers Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto taking guard. The duo started cautiously, aware of the disciplined New Zealand bowling attack. Tanzid showcased glimpses of aggression, scoring 24 runs before falling to a well-executed delivery. Shanto, on the other hand, anchored the innings with poise.Middle Order PerformanceThe middle order faced challenges as New Zealand’s bowlers tightened their grip. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, promoted up the order, managed a quick 13 off 11 balls but couldn’t capitalize further. Towhid Hridoy and Mushfiqur Rahim attempted to stabilize the innings, but regular wickets hindered momentum.

Lower Order Contributions

Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto stood tall amidst the tumbling wickets, crafting a commendable 77 runs. His partnership with Jaker Ali, who contributed 45 runs, was pivotal in steering Bangladesh to a competitive total. Rishad Hossain’s late cameo of 26 runs added valuable runs, culminating in a final score of 236/9 in their allotted 50 overs.

5. New Zealand’s Bowling Performance

Opening Bowlers

New Zealand’s new ball pair, Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke, faced initial resistance from the Bangladeshi openers. While Jamieson maintained a tight line, O’Rourke struggled with consistency, allowing the batsmen to capitalize on loose deliveries.Spin AttackThe introduction of spinners, particularly Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner, shifted the momentum. Bracewell’s variations troubled the middle order, resulting in crucial breakthroughs. Santner’s economical spell choked the run flow, building pressure that led to wickets.In the final overs, New Zealand’s bowlers executed yorkers and slower balls effectively. Matt Henry’s experience shone through as he claimed vital wickets, preventing Bangladesh from accelerating in the death overs.

6. New Zealand’s Chase

Early Wickets

Chasing 237, New Zealand’s innings got off to a shaky start. Taskin Ahmed’s fiery opening spell saw the dismissal of Will Young for a duck, setting the tone for a challenging chase. Kane Williamson, the seasoned campaigner, couldn’t anchor the innings as he edged one to the keeper, leaving New Zealand at a precarious position.Middle Order StabilizationRachin Ravindra emerged as the linchpin of the innings, displaying maturity beyond his years. His partnership with Devon Conway steadied the ship, with Ravindra playing a blend of caution and aggression. Conway’s dismissal brought Tom Latham to the crease, who complemented Ravindra’s style, rotating the strike and punishing loose balls.

Closing the Chase

As the target approached, Ravindra accelerated, showcasing a range of strokes around the ground. His well-crafted innings of 84 laid the foundation, and with contributions from Latham and Glenn Phillips, New Zealand inched closer to the target. Despite some late wickets, the depth in their batting ensured they crossed the finish line with overs to spare.

7. Bangladesh’s Bowling Performance

New Ball Success

Bangladesh’s bowlers started with vigor. Taskin Ahmed’s pace and movement troubled the top order, and Nahid Rana’s disciplined line complemented the attack, resulting in early breakthroughs.

Spin Strategy

The spinners, led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Rishad Hossain, applied pressure in the middle overs. Miraz’s tight lines restricted scoring opportunities, while Hossain’s attacking approach yielded wickets, keeping Bangladesh in contention.

Death Overs Tactics

In the concluding overs, Bangladesh aimed to contain the flow of runs. Mustafizur Rahman’s cutters and slower deliveries were effective, but the set batsmen managed to find gaps, ensuring New Zealand remained ahead in the chase.

8. Key Performers

Najmul Hossain Shanto: The Bangladeshi captain’s resilient 77 was the backbone of their innings, showcasing leadership and skill.
Rachin Ravindra: His composed 84 under pressure was instrumental in guiding New Zealand to victory.
Taskin Ahmed: With early wickets, Taskin provided Bangladesh with hope, displaying fiery pace and accuracy.
Mitchell Santner: His economical bowling stifled the Bangladeshi batsmen, creating opportunities for breakthroughs.

9. Turning Points

Early Dismissal of Kane Williamson: Taskin Ahmed’s delivery that sent Williamson back was a significant morale booster for Bangladesh.
Ravindra and Latham’s Partnership: Their steadying stand shifted the momentum back in New Zealand’s favor.
Shanto’s Wicket: The captain’s dismissal at a crucial juncture prevented Bangladesh from posting a more formidable total.

10. Statistical Highlights
Bangladesh’s Total: 236/9 in 50 overs
New Zealand’s Chase: Achieved the target with 5 wickets in hand and 3 overs remaining
Top Scorer: Rachin Ravindra with 84 runs
Best Bowling Figures: Mitchell Santner with 2/41

Post-Match Reactions

After the match, both teams reflected on their performances. New Zealand’s captain Kane Williamson praised Rachin Ravindra’s maturity under pressure and credited the bowlers for their disciplined effort. He stated, “Rachin played an outstanding innings. The bowlers set up the game beautifully, and we executed our plans well.”

On the other hand, Bangladesh’s captain Najmul Hossain Shanto acknowledged that his team fell short despite a competitive total. “We had our moments in the game, but we needed a few more runs. Our bowlers did well initially, but we couldn’t capitalize on key moments,” he remarked.

Experts and analysts pointed out that Bangladesh needed more partnerships in the middle overs, while New Zealand’s ability to handle pressure made the difference.