Champions Trophy: Bangladesh sets 237-run target for New Zealand

(Web Dek): Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto's 77 and Jaker Ali's resistance in the final overs helped Bangladesh set a modest target of 237 runs against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 group match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.

New Zealand's decision to bowl first worked well, as their bowlers put pressure on Bangladesh, restricting them to a chaseable total.

Bangladesh started decently, with openers Najmul Hossain Shanto and Tanzid Hasan putting on a 45-run partnership. However, Bangladesh lost wickets regularly, and by the 26.1 over mark, they were reduced to 118/5, with Shanto still at the crease.

Shanto found support from middle-order batter Jaker Ali, who had previously scored a century in Bangladesh’s opening match against India. The pair added 45 runs for the sixth wicket before Shanto was dismissed for 77 off 110 balls, including nine fours, in the 38th over.

Jaker continued to hold the innings together, scoring 45 off 55 balls, which included three fours and a six. He was involved in a valuable 33-run partnership with Rishad Hossain, who made 26 off 25 balls. Taskin Ahmed added a few more runs at the end with a quick 10 off 20 balls, bringing Bangladesh’s total to 236.

Michael Bracewell was New Zealand's best bowler, taking four wickets for just 26 runs in his 10 overs. Will O’Rourke supported well with two wickets, while Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson each took one wicket. Despite a strong bowling effort, New Zealand now needs 237 runs to win the match.