The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is heating up as Bangladesh prepares to clash with New Zealand, marking the sixth match of the eagerly anticipated tournament. Scheduled for February 24, 2025, this match is set to take place at 2:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, located within the vibrant city of Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
This encounter between the two competitive national teams is particularly significant and termed as 'do or die' for Bangladesh. Having suffered a setback against India, where they lost by six wickets, Bangladesh looks to find its footing and rekindle hope for advancing to the semifinals. Meanwhile, New Zealand started its campaign with gusto, defeating the host nation Pakistan by 60 runs.
New Zealand's captain, Mitchell Santner, won the toss and opted to bowl first — a decision he hopes will pay dividends on what is predicted to be a pitch conducive to both batters and quick bowlers. Historically, teams chasing targets at this venue have had success, with 14 out of 26 matches won by the team batting second. Nevertheless, the first-innings average score at Rawalpindi stands at 242 runs.
For the game, both teams have prepared their strongest lineups. Bangladesh will rely heavily on their top order, with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, along with experienced players like Mushfiqur Rahim and Soumya Sarkar, tasked with setting a strong foundation. The bowling attack will need to strike early to unsettle New Zealand’s strong batting lineup, which performed well during their victorious match against Pakistan.
New Zealand, for their part, is expected not to make significant changes to their successful combination. Key players like Kane Williamson and Devon Conway faced challenges but will be under pressure to perform, as their contributions could prove pivotal. The team’s last outing showcased Michael Bracewell, who remarkably took four wickets, contributing significantly to their win and solidifying his place as one to watch.
The head-to-head record favors New Zealand, who has clinched victories in 33 out of their previous 45 encounters against Bangladesh, showcasing their historical dominance. Yet, matches between the two teams have been closely contested, particularly at the Champions Trophy level, where they have split their past matchups evenly.
According to analysts, this match's outcome may well hinge on how effectively Bangladesh's bowlers can contain New Zealand's formidable batting order. If they can exploit the conditions early and capitalize with the new ball, they may stand a chance at redemption after their prior match disappointment.
Supporters can catch the live coverage of this important fixture through GeoStar Network, which holds the official broadcasting rights, providing viewers with extensive coverage across various regional languages. Digital streaming will be available via the GeoHotstar app as well.
With both teams acknowledging the importance of this match, players and fans alike will be on the edge of their seats, hoping for nothing short of thrilling performances and unforgettable moments on the field.
Overall, this match serves as not just another fixture but rather as a pivotal clash for both sides aiming to cement their places for the next stages of the tournament. Will Bangladesh bounce back, or will New Zealand continue their winning streak? The answers await us at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.