A critical clash awaits Bangladesh against in-form New Zealand

Bangladesh vs New Zealand: A Crucial Clash in the Champions Trophy 2025

After a tough loss to India, Bangladesh find themselves in a do-or-die situation ahead of their next match against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025. The match, which will be the fourth game of Group A, is set to take place at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on February 24.

Bangladesh’s Setback and Need for Improvement

• Bangladesh’s Recovery Against India: Despite an early collapse in their opening game (35/5), Bangladesh showed resilience, reaching 228 thanks to a valiant effort from Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali. However, they need more consistency from top-order batsmen like Soumya Sarkar, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.
• Bowling Strengths and Weaknesses: Bangladesh was effective with the ball, particularly the slower bowlers, but better discipline in line and lengths is needed to counter a strong New Zealand side.

New Zealand’s Strong Start to the Tournament

• Clinical Win Over Pakistan: New Zealand maintained their composure after losing early wickets against Pakistan. With impressive centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham, along with a blazing half-century from Glenn Phillips, they posted a commanding total. Their bowlers then delivered a clinical performance to secure a convincing victory.
• Confident Heading into the Bangladesh Match: Having maintained an unbeaten streak since the tri-series, New Zealand will be confident of extending their winning run and securing a semifinal spot.

Match Details

• Date: February 24, 2025
• Time: 2:30 PM IST (2:00 PM Local Time)
• Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan
• What to Expect: Rawalpindi is known for being a high-scoring ground, and previous ODIs played here have seen big totals. The pitch has historically favored batsmen, and with centuries on the horizon, both teams will look to take advantage of the conditions.

Team News and Probable XIs

Bangladesh:

• Mahmudullah’s Fitness: Mahmudullah, who missed the opening game due to a calf muscle injury, will undergo a fitness test to determine his availability for this match. If fit, Mushfiqur Rahim may make way for him, with Jaker Ali keeping wickets.
• Possible Changes: Towhid Hridoy, who suffered cramps in the India game, is fully fit. There is also speculation about the inclusion of express pacer Nahid Rana, who impressed during Bangladesh’s Test series win in Rawalpindi.
• Probable XI:
  • Tanzid Hasan
  • Soumya Sarkar
  • Najmul Hossain Shanto (c)
  • Towhid Hridoy
  • Mushfiqur Rahim/Mahmudullah
  • Mehidy Hasan Miraz
  • Jaker Ali
  • Rishad Hossain
  • Tanzim Hasan Sakib/Nahid Rana
  • Taskin Ahmed
  • Mustafizur Rahman

New Zealand:

• Rachin Ravindra’s Fitness: Rachin Ravindra was absent from New Zealand’s opening game due to a forehead injury, but the team could go unchanged if Ravindra is fit.
• Probable XI:
  • Devon Conway
  • Will Young
  • Kane Williamson
  • Daryl Mitchell
  • Glenn Phillips
  • Michael Bracewell
  • Mitchell Santner (c)
  • Nathan Smith
  • Matt Henry
  • William O’Rourke

Did You Know?

• Champions Trophy History: The last time Bangladesh and New Zealand met in the Champions Trophy, Bangladesh triumphed by 5 wickets in Cardiff, thanks to centuries from Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah, overcoming a 33/4 situation while chasing 266.
• Key Players Against Bangladesh:
  • Tom Latham (two 100s & four 50s), Kane Williamson (one 100 & four 50s), Will Young (one 100 & three 50s), and Devon Conway (one 100 & one 50) all have strong records against Bangladesh, each averaging over 50.
  • Daryl Mitchell has scored 201 runs in just three innings against Bangladesh, including a hundred and fifty. He has also scored two hundred in Rawalpindi ODIs.

What They Said

• Mitchell Santner (New Zealand Captain): “I think traditionally it’s quite a high-scoring ground, so we have to be on it with the bat. We just talk about trying to build partnerships and do that out there.”

Conclusion: A Crucial Clash for Both Teams

This game between Bangladesh and New Zealand is critical for both sides. Bangladesh needs to bounce back from their loss to India and avoid further slip-ups, while New Zealand aims to continue their unbeaten streak and strengthen their position in the tournament. With a high scoring pitch and both teams having strong batting line-ups, fans can expect an exciting contest at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.