New Zealand's Ravindra keen to play against India in dead rubber

Rachin Ravindra has no desire to sit out New Zealand's dead rubber against India after returning to the side with a rousing century against Bangladesh at the Champions Trophy.

With New Zealand already qualified for the semi-finals, selectors have the luxury of resting players for the final group match against India in Dubai on Sunday.

Batsman Ravindra sat out the Black Caps' opener against Pakistan while recovering from a blow to the head and does not want to miss another match at the ICC tournament.

"Conversations haven't really been had around that. But in a tournament like this, I guess you want to play as many games as you can," the 25-year-old lefthander told reporters on Wednesday.

"And the nature of my injury before is meaning I've missed some games.

"So I'll do whatever the team wants but I'd be keen to get out there and hopefully do my thing."

Ravindra's preparations for the tournament were disrupted when he was struck on the head by the ball in a fielding mishap, forcing him to go through concussion protocols.

He scored 112 against Bangladesh on his return to the team batting at number four in place of Daryl Mitchell, who was ruled out due to illness.

Ravindra said all-rounder Mitchell was "definitely progressing well" on his way back to full health and the team were glad to have a couple of rest days.

Come game day against India, though, players would be raring to go for the dead rubber.

"I guess you don't really want to take games for granted ever," he said.

"I think we can treat it like a game in an international tournament, right?

"So there's still a lot to play for, the first spot in the semi-finals."

Klaasen regains fitness

Meanwhile, South Africa batsman Heinrich Klaasen has recovered from an elbow injury that kept him out of their Champions Trophy opener against Afghanistan, skipper Temba Bavuma said.

South Africa's explosive batter Heinrich Klaasen plays a shot during his team's ODI tri-series match against Pakistan at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on February 12, 2025. PCB

The Proteas were unsure if Klaasen would have been available to face Australia in their second match in Rawalpindi on Tuesday but the game was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain.

"Everyone is good. Klaasen has recovered from the fitness (issue). That adds a lot of value and the team spirit is good," Bavuma told reporters.

Klaasen could feature in South Africa's final Group B game against England in Karachi on Saturday.

Bavuma said his team will rest for a couple of days before turning their attention to England, who meet Afghanistan later on Wednesday. The loser of that match will be out of contention for the semi-finals.

South Africa top their group on net run rate ahead of Australia, with both teams on three points. Another victory will send the South Africans through to the last four.

"We'll get to see them (England) ... when they go against Afghanistan. That will give us a better idea in terms of what the table will look like and what we need to do," Bavuma said.

"I think that becomes another important game. England on paper are one of the stronger sides, so we know that as a group we'll have to play to our best."