NZ cruise into Champions Trophy semi-finals

New Zealand sealed a semi-final spot in the Champions Trophy after cruising past Bangladesh by five wickets on the back of Rachin Ravindra's century in Rawalpindi yesterday.

The victory, with nearly four overs to spare, also advanced India to the semi-finals and eliminated tournament hosts and defending champions Pakistan, and Bangladesh, from contention.

Ravindra took a blow on the forehead in a game 16 days ago and missed the last three One-Day Internationals (ODI), but recovered to strike 112 off 105 balls and carry New Zealand to 240-5 in 46.1 overs in reply to Bangladesh's 236-9.

Bangladesh's middle order capitulated against the off-spin of Michael Bracewell, who took 4-26 in 10 overs. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto led with 77. Jaker Ali (45) and Rishad Hossain (26) counter-attacked against the pace, but New Zealand allowed them only 64 runs in the last 10 overs. The 25 extras were the fourth-highest tally in the innings.

"Feels nice to qualify," New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said.

"The way we pulled things back with the ball was amazing. [It's] hard to take middle-overs wickets in ODIs, and Bracewell was amazing. He's a quality bowler now, [and] the way he can change his pace on these wickets is outstanding."

RAVINDRA STANDS TALL

Fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana jolted New Zealand to 15-2 when Will Young, who made a century against Pakistan, went for a duck and Kane Williamson fell for rare consecutive single-digit scores in ODIs, five after one.

But Ravindra combined with Devon Conway to revive the chase. They shared 57 in 12 overs before Pakistan's third pace bowler, Mustafizur Rahman, got Conway to chop on on for 30.

Tom Latham (55) then joined Ravindra and they shared a match-winning, 129-run stand.

Ravindra, who batted at No. 4 in place of Daryl Mitchell, got a lucky escape on 93 when Miraz couldn't hold onto a sharp, low catch at point. He completed his fourth ODI century off 95 balls with 11 fours and a six.

"I thought we started well with the bat," Shanto said. "It's a pretty good wicket, we just needed two big partnerships, but it was a disappointing [total] after 10 overs."

South Africa and Australia, which won their opening Group B games, face each other today at the same venue.

- AP