Watch: Kane Williamson takes stunning diving catch to dismiss Tanzid Hasan in CT 2025 clash

Kane Williamson’s sharp mind and lightning reflexes were on the spot as he helped New Zealand to get an early breakthrough against Bangladesh in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 group match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Monday (February 24).

Michael Bracewell made an instant impact, striking with just his second delivery to send Tanzid Hasan back to the pavilion, thanks to Kane Williamson’s stunning efforts in Rawalpindi. It was a fuller ball from Bracewell targeting the stumps, and Tanzid went for a big swing across the line.

Kane Williamson’s stunning catch ends Tanzid Hasan’s stay in Rawalpindi

However, the Bangladesh opener mistimed it and got an inside edge. Kane Williamson reacted quickly, diving to his left to take a superb catch, ending Tanzid’s promising knock of 24 runs, featuring one boundary four and two sixes, to help New Zealand get an early breakthrough in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match in Rawalpindi.

pic.twitter.com/94k3rR3M6t

— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) February 24, 2025

Meanwhile, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss, and his bowlers have so far been impressive, taking two wickets inside 12 overs against Bangladesh. After Michael Bracewell, William O’Rourke struck at the right moment to send Mehidy Hasan Miraz back to the pavilion for just 13 runs laced with a boundary and a maximum.

Read Also: Watch: Najmul Hossain Shanto gives death stare to Mehidy Hasan Miraz after all-rounder gifts his wicket

It was a full delivery angling into the pads with extra pace, making it tricky for the Bangladesh batter. Miraz attempted to flick it over the infield but mistimed his shot, sending the ball straight to mid-on, where the skipper Mitchell Santner took an easy catch to give a second setback to the Tigers.

Mitchell Santner eager to make the most of the Rawalpindi wicket

After winning the toss, Mitchell Santner said that the Rawalpindi pitch looks good but he is expecting some dew. He also said that Kyle Jamieson replaced Nathan Smith and Rachin Ravindra returned to his place for this Champions Trophy 2025 clash against Bangladesh.

Santner said at the toss, “It looks like a good wicket. We trained a lot in different grounds, but there might be some dew in here. Two changes here: Kyle Jamieson is in for Nathan Smith, and Rachin Ravindra is back in. Always good to play in conditions where you will be playing an eventual tournament in the lead-up (referring to the Tri-nation ODI series).”

Read Also: Unfair advantage! Pat Cummins accuses ICC of favoritism towards India in Champions Trophy 2025

Well, the Black Caps entered into the crucial game on the back of their dominating 60-run win over Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener in Karachi. On the other hand, Bangladesh came into the match after a six-wicket defeat against India in Dubai.

Rawalpindi clash crucial for both New Zealand and Bangladesh

This match is very important for both teams, as a win would take the Black Caps to the semifinals while the Tigers would be out of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 if they lost this game. The Kiwis would be hoping to beat Bangladesh to seal their semifinals fate before facing the red-hot India in their final Group A match on March 2 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

The Men in Blue have already won their first two games to ensure their semifinals ticket, and now the Black Caps are the second favorites to make it to the top four, as Pakistan has also lost two of the three games. Today’s result will determine their official status in the prestigious tournament.