Bangladesh is set to clash with New Zealand on February 24, 2025, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium for Match 6 of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, amid high stakes for both sides. The teams enter the match with contrasting fortunes; Bangladesh seeks redemption following their loss to India, whereas New Zealand aims to secure their spot in the semifinals after defeating Pakistan convincingly.
Bangladesh’s campaign started on the wrong foot as they suffered a six-wicket defeat against India, where they danced around the edge of competitiveness before faltering under pressure. Despite having moments of brilliance, their batting lineup lacked the cohesiveness needed to build substantial innings, leading them to only score 228 runs. The criticism has been directed at their struggling top order, which includes captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who failed to score, alongside Soumya Sarkar, both of whom were eliminated for ducks.
On the other hand, New Zealand showcased formidable prowess, cruising to victory over the hosts with decisive performances from Will Young and Tom Latham, both of whom struck centuries and established dominant positions for their side. New Zealand's bowlers, particularly Matt Henry and William O’Rourke, reinforced their attack, creating early wickets and compelling pressure on the opposition. Their strength resonates even more considering their recent success, including winning the tri-series against Pakistan and South Africa prior to this tournament.
The stakes for the upcoming match are exceptionally high—New Zealand can nearly assure their semifinals berth with another victory. Meanwhile, for Bangladesh, it's not only about pride but also survival; losing this match would mean virtually packing their bags for the tournament.
Both teams have disclosed their probable playing XI, gearing up to deliver their best performances. Bangladesh will likely play with Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto at the top of the order, followed by solid contributors like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. New Zealand’s lineup is similarly intimidating, featuring star players like Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, and Daryl Mitchell, who thrive on flat surfaces conducive to scoring.
Weather conditions show promise for cricketing action, as the forecast suggests cool temperatures around 23°C with cloudy skies, allowing both teams to compete under comfortable conditions. The pitch is anticipated to be favorable for batting, offering good bounce and carry; hence, the winning captain at the toss might prefer to chase—especially since dew is expected to settle as the night falls. Historically, the pitch at Rawalpindi has favored attacking batsmen, which may encourage high scores.
Quarterly, New Zealand will come to this match bearing the load of expectation; their recent dominance over Bangladesh (33 wins out of 45 ODIs) adds to the pressure. Yet, Bangladesh has proven itself capable of surprises before, remembering their victory over New Zealand at the Champions Trophy back in 2017.
Coaches and team leaders have been vocally optimistic about their squad's abilities to adapt and yield results. New Zealand’s captain Mitchell Santner spoke about having specific plans for Bangladesh, asserting, “We’ve got a few plans for Bangladesh, but we obviously - we have to wait and see what the wicket does. If it is pretty flat I think it is probably similar stuff to what we’ve been operating.”
On the other side, Bangladesh's head coach Phil Simmons expressed confidence following practice sessions: “Yesterday was a good practice. The Islamabad Club ground has really good facilities. We had a good session. We will have a sharp session today, and we will be ready for tomorrow.”
The match is set to start at 2:30 PM IST, with the toss scheduled for 2 PM. Viewers can catch the action on Star Sports 2 HD/SD and Sports 18 channels, with online coverage available via the JioHotstar platform.
With both teams packed with talent and history on their side, the upcoming battle promises high-intensity cricket, testing the mettle of both squads. With Bangladesh desperate for victory and New Zealand aiming to continue their climb toward the semifinals, this match stands out as not only pivotal but also as a compelling feature of the Champions Trophy 2025.