New Zealand is set to face Bangladesh today at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with both teams entering this ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match under very different circumstances. The Kiwis are riding high after securing victory over Pakistan, whereas Bangladesh is under pressure to redeem themselves after losing their opening match against India.
Scheduled for Monday, February 24, the match will start at 2:30 PM IST, with the toss taking place at 2 PM IST. Fans can follow the live action through Star Sports and Sports18 on television or stream the event on the JioHotstar platform.
The stakes are high for both teams. New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, aim to continue their winning momentum and secure their spot in the semifinals. They opened their tournament with a commanding 60-run win over Pakistan, showcasing their batting prowess with Tom Latham and Will Young both scoring centuries. With their net run rate soaring at 1.200, they are well-positioned for the knockout stage.
Conversely, Bangladesh finds itself in dire straits. After falling to India by six wickets, the team captained by Najmul Hossain Shanto needs nothing less than victory against the Kiwis to keep their semifinal hopes alive. Their net run rate currently stands at -0.408, which emphasizes the urgency of this match. Recent form has not been favorable for the Bangladesh side; they have not played many ODIs recently, and their last outing resulted in disappointment.
Bangladesh's squad has faced scrutiny, particularly their batting line-up, which struggled against India. The absence of their experienced all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has left gaps in their strategy, but there’s talent to watch, including Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mushfiqur Rahim, both of whom possess the capability to turn games around.
Looking at the head-to-head statistics, New Zealand historically dominates this fixture, having won 33 out of the 45 matches played between the two teams. Their record is even more impressive in ICC tournaments, with the Kiwis leading the head-to-head 7-1. Nonetheless, Bangladesh can take inspiration from their stunning upset during the 2017 Champions Trophy when they defeated New Zealand by five wickets, proving they can rise to the occasion.
The pitch at Rawalpindi, known for assisting both batters and bowlers, promises to be favorable for scoring runs. Historical data indicates three of the five ODIs played here since 2010 have been won by the team batting first, highlighting the importance of winning the toss for the teams today. With big scores anticipated, both teams will be strategizing on executing their game plans effectively.
New Zealand, coming off their recent tri-nation series victory against Pakistan and South Africa, is eager to build on their success. They must also navigate selection dilemmas, considering whether to include Rachin Ravindra, who has been recovering from injury, as they solidify their XI against Bangladesh.
Mitchell Santner has spoken highly of their opponents, acknowledging Bangladesh's skillful bowling unit and their potential to challenge New Zealand. Despite the loss to India, Santner noted, “I think they’re a very good team at the moment,” underscoring the need for New Zealand to reset and prepare for the challenge Bangladesh poses.
For Bangladesh, the pressure is palpable. They have made changes to their squad, with younger talent like Rishad Hossain stepping up to fill the void left by Shakib. The trio of Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and the spin duo of Miraz and Hossain will be pivotal if Bangladesh is to succeed today. The need for the top order to deliver is especially urgent, as their performance against India revealed significant vulnerabilities.
The essence of today’s contest extends beyond the statistical analysis; it’s about survival. For Bangladesh, any loss will mean elimination from the tournament's current phase. They must channel their resolve and past performances against strong teams to secure what could be one of the most pivotal moments of their Champions Trophy run.
Anticipation is high as experts and fans alike look forward to this clash. Will the mercurial Black Caps secure their place among the semi-final contenders, or can the Bangla Tigers claw their way back from adversity? Today's match will certainly offer edge-of-the-seat excitement, and their rivalry promises nothing less than thrilling cricket.