NZ, Bangladesh gear up for crucial Champions Trophy clash: Preview
What's the story
New Zealand and Bangladesh will lock horns in the third match of Group A at the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The match will be played on Monday (February 24) at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. While NZ thrashed co-hosts Pakistan in their opener, Bangladesh lost their opening game against the Indian team. Here we look at the match preview.
Match conditions
Weather and pitch conditions for the match
The weather in Rawalpindi is likely to be pleasant with no rain forecasted on the day of the game. Meanwhile, the pitch at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is expected to be batting-friendly, which could result in a high-scoring game. Pacers might get some assistance early on. The match be live telivised on Star Sports Network while Jiostar will provide the live streaming (2:30pm IST).
H2H
Here's the head-to-head record
Bangladesh have just 11 wins in 45 ODIs against the Kiwis. While 33 encounters have landed in NZ's favor, one game got washed out. The Tigers boast just two ODI series victories over NZ, both at home (2010 and 2013). Meanwhwile, Bangladesh defeated New Zealand in their previous meeting in the Champions Trophy, in the 2017 edition. Overall, the head-to-head record is 1-1 in the championship.
NZ vs BAN
New Zealand aim for another victory
As mentioned, New Zealand will be eyeing their second win in the tournament after a 60-run win over defending champions Pakistan. A win over Bangladesh would bolster their chances of making it to the semifinals. On the other hand, Bangladesh are looking for redemption after a six-wicket defeat to India. They were restricted to 228/10 while batting first as India comfortably chased down the target.
XIs
Here are the probable XIs
New Zealand Probable XI: Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, William O'Rourke. Bangladesh Probable XI: Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman.
Stats
A look at the key players
Towhid Hridoy rescued Bangladesh with a ton in the team's opener against India. According to ESPNcricinfo, Bangladesh skipper Najmul Shanto has been in top form in ODIs since 2024, scoring 286 runs at 57.20. Mustafizur Rahman owns 107 ODI wickets in Asia at 24.03. The likes of Will Young and Tom Latham made tons in NZ's opener against Pakistan. Matt Henry has claimed 41 ODI wickets since 2023 at 24.31.