BAN vs NZ Preview: Bangladesh strive to remain in the hunt against strong New Zealand
Bangladesh and New Zealand will square off against each other in match 6 of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday, February 24.
The Bengal Tigers didn’t have the start they were looking for as they suffered a disappointing six-wicket loss at the hands of Rohit Sharma’s India.
Winning the toss, Bangladesh opted to bat first and managed to score 228 runs in 49.4 overs, thanks to Towhid Hridoy (100*) and Jaker Ali (68). For India Mohammed Shami was the wrecker-in-chief with the ball, claiming yet another fifer. In the chase, India looked in a good position until Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill were batting, but some wickets in the middle got the opposition back in the contest. However, Gill’s unbeaten ton along with KL Rahul’s support meant that the side clinched a six-wicket win.
On the other hand, New Zealand had a dominating start to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a comfortable victory over Pakistan in their Group A clash at Karachi. The Kiwis posted a total of 320/5, thanks to brilliant centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham. Young, who made the most of Rachin Ravindra’s absence, scored 107, while Latham remained unbeaten on 118 off just 95 balls. Glenn Phillips provided the late flourish with a quickfire 61 off 39 deliveries.
Pakistan’s chase never really took off as they lost wickets at regular intervals. The only valuable contributions with the bat came from Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, and Khushdil Shah. However, the side was eventually bowled out at 260 runs and lost the game by 60 runs.
Pitch Report
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is a batting-friendly surface, with an average first-innings score of 242. The pitch provides good bounce and
carry. However, pacers can extract movement early on, while spinners come into play as the game progresses. The toss remains crucial, as captains must asses the conditions wisely before making their call.
Squads
Bangladesh: Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, MD Mahmud Ullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana.
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Jacob Duffy.
