Pakistan face Bangladesh in Champions Trophy: Presenting key player battles
What's the story
Co-hosts Pakistan and Bangladesh will meet for their last match of the ICC Champions Trophy, at Rawalpindi. Both the sides have had a disappointing run in the tournament thus far. The upcoming encounter gives them a chance to redeem some pride and end their campaign on a high note. Ahead of a crunch clash between the two teams, we decode the key player battles.
#1
Mustafizur Rahman vs Babar Azam
Babar Azam has been criticized for his performance in the ongoing tourney. The Pakistan star batter will be tested by left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman. As per ESPNcricinfo, in three matches, Babar has managed a tally of 37 runs from 33 balls off Mustafizur. His strike rate is 112.12. Mustafizur has dismissed Babar once in this duel.
#2
Shaheen Afridi vs Najmul Hossain Shanto
Pakistan's left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi will want to send Najmul Hossain Shanto back early on. In a solitary inning, Shanto was dismissed by Afridi. He managed 0 from two balls. Meanwhile, Afridi has a sound record in the powerplay overs. In 63 innings, he averages 28.43 with 46 scalps under his belt. Afridi averages 22.69 versus left-handed batters in ODIs. He owns 42 wickets.
#3
Abrar Ahmed Mushfiqur Rahim
Abrar Ahmed has done a fine job for Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy. The spinner will eye Mushfiqur Rahim's scalp. Notably, Mushfiqur has been dismissed twice to spin in the ongoing tourney. Leg-spinner Abrar averages 30.11 against right-handed batters across 9 innings, taking 9 wickets. On the other hand, Mushfiqur owns 1,029 runs against leg spinners in ODIs at 46.77 (22 dismissals).