Mon Feb 24 11:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Bangladesh Stumble to 163-6 Against New Zealand in Champions Trophy Clash
**Rawalpindi, Pakistan:** New Zealand tightened their grip on a Champions Trophy semi-final spot after restricting Bangladesh to 163-6 at the close of their innings in a crucial Group A match in Rawalpindi. A disciplined bowling performance, spearheaded by Michael Bracewell’s 4-26 and Will O’Rourke’s two wickets, kept Bangladesh’s scoring rate in check throughout the innings.
Despite a fighting 77 from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh struggled to build significant partnerships, constantly losing wickets at crucial moments. Shanto’s dismissal, caught by Bracewell off O’Rourke, proved a turning point, ending a much-needed period of more aggressive batting from Bangladesh. The lower order attempted to salvage the situation with late boundaries, but it was ultimately too little, too late.
The match was a tense affair, with commentators and former players alike highlighting the pressure on Bangladesh to win to remain in contention. The team’s slow scoring rate and lack of significant partnerships throughout much of the innings underscore their struggles. New Zealand’s disciplined bowling and astute fielding prevented Bangladesh from accelerating their innings despite late efforts to score quickly. A New Zealand victory will see them and India progress to the semi-finals.
First Piper 