(From Naveen Abeyratne in Rawalpindi)
Michael Bracewell bowled a superb spell of 10 overs before Racin Ravindra stroking a stylish 112 to guide New Zealand to the semi final spot in the Champions Trophy match played at Rawalpindi stadium today. New Zealand chased down a modest total of 237 to complete 240 for 5 in 46.1 overs.
Pakistan and Bangladesh have been dropped out from the Champions Trophy after losing two back to back matches. Both teams still have one match each but none of them can get four points to match either India or New Zealand who have booked their birth in the semi-final spots.
Pakistan is not only hosts of the Champions Trophy but also the defending champions.
As New Zealand batters came to chase 237, they lost two important wickets for 15 runs, including the star batter Kane Williamson. Yet, they’ve got a responsible batsman in the name of Racin Ravindra. The 25 year old all-rounder anchored the innings with a stylish 112. His 105 ball knock included 12 boundaries and a six.
New Zealand expected a different kind of a pitch at Rawalpindi but taking the challenge, they decided to bowl first. Their world class fielding and superb 10 over spell by Bracewell, restricted Bangladeshis to a mere 236.
The fielding was at such a high standard as Bracewell ran from mid wicket to bowler’s run up to grab a catch. That terminated skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto’s innings for 77.
Bracewell accounted for
Tanzid Hazan in his second ball and later claimed a wicket each in his last three overs to finish four for 26. As Bracewell finished his 10 over quota, Bangladesh have lost their top five batters for 119 runs. Out of the 60 balls Bracewell bowled, 43 of them were dot balls.
He was ably supported by that six foot pacie, Will O’Rourke. Out of his 60 balls, 42 were dot balls.
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