BAN vs NZ: Record-Breaking Spell! Michael Bracewell Registers Best Figures for a Kiwi Spinner in Champions Trophy

The off-spinner Michael Bracewell delivered a match-winning spell of 4/26.

New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell etched his name in the record books with a remarkable four-wicket haul against Bangladesh in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Bowling in Rawalpindi, the off-spinner delivered a match-winning spell of 4/26, making it the best-ever figures by a New Zealand spinner in the tournament’s history.

Michael Bracewell’s Record-Breaking Spell

Bracewell’s stunning performance saw him dismiss Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudullah, restricting Bangladesh to a modest total. His spell of 4/26 is now among the best bowling figures by a New Zealand bowler in Champions Trophy history, placing him fourth on the all-time list:

Best Bowling Figures for New Zealand in Champions Trophy History:

  • Jacob Oram – 5/36 vs USA (The Oval, 2004)
  • Shayne O’Connor – 5/46 vs Pakistan (Nairobi, 2000)
  • Shane Bond – 4/21 vs Bangladesh (Colombo, 2002)
  • Michael Bracewell – 4/26 vs Bangladesh (Rawalpindi, 2025)
  • Kyle Mills – 4/30 vs England (Cardiff, 2013)

This spell also marks Bracewell’s best-ever bowling performance in One-Day Internationals, surpassing his previous best of 4/36, which came against Sri Lanka in Pallekele last year.

New Zealand Eye Semi-Final Spot

Bracewell had already made an impact earlier in the tournament, starting his Champions Trophy campaign with 1/38 against Pakistan in a convincing 60-run win. With this latest victory over Bangladesh, New Zealand moves one step closer to securing a place in the semi-finals.