Bangladesh vs New-Zealand, The ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Preview, squads, Key players and predictions.

 

File: Najmul Hassan Shanto and Mitchel Santner credit-ICC

Overview

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 6th match is to be played between Bangladesh and New Zealand on February 24, 2025. Both the Teams are placed in Group A along with India and host Pakistan. This match will be played at The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, it will be the 1st match of The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to be held at this venue. 

Both teams are coming into this contest in quite contrasting ways, New Zealand are in red hot form currently as they won the opening game of The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against the host Pakistan by 60 runs. Whereas Bangladesh got a comprehensive defeat at the hands of India. So, this match holds a lot of importance for both the teams. New Zealand wants to seal the semi-final spot in this match whereas Bangladesh will fight for their survival in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 

In this article, we will discuss the squads and key players for both sides, head-to-head records, recent performances, pitch and conditions, and match predictions.

Team News

Bangladesh is expected to bring back its experienced batter Mehmood Ullah Riaz to add depth to their middle order whereas Nahid is also expected to get into the Playing 11. New Zealand may go with the same side that beat Pakistan a few days ago as they would like to keep up the winning momentum.

Head-to-Head and Recent Performances

New Zealand and Bangladesh faced each other 45 times in ODI's. New Zealand won 33 times whereas Bangladesh came out on top in 11 games. 

If we look at the recent performances New Zealand are in red-hot form as they have an unbeaten winning streak in the last 4 matches. They won the Tri-Nation ODI series between Pakistan, South Africa, and New Zealand after beating Pakistan quite comprehensively in the final. After that, they won against Pakistan once again in the ICC Champions Trophy opener. So, they are on the roll and one of the strong favorites for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

On the other hand, Bangladesh won the ODI series against Zimbabwe but after that, they lost to India in their 1st match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai. So, they will definitely like to turn their fortunes in this contest.

    Photo: Tom Latham, Will Young credit-ICC

Key Players to watch

• Kane Williamson

New Zealand former captain Kane Williamson is in decent form as he recently scored his 16th ODI Ton against South Africa. Although against Pakistan he couldn't contribute much he is a class player and likes to bat big in the ICC tournaments. So, we are expecting him to produce another classic knock in the important match. 

• Daryl Mitchel

Daryl Mitchel is another batter who has had plenty of success recently in the subcontinent. So, he will be another key player for New Zealand, and they will want him to score big again. 

    Photo: Daryl Mitchel credit-ICC & TOI

• Micheal Bracewell

Micheal Bracewell is a very good all-rounder. He has caused a lot of trouble to batters in recent times. So New Zealand will be expecting him to perform well again in the big game.

• Najmul Hassan Shanto

Bangladesh captain Shanto is one of the experienced players in Bangladesh's side. So, He will have to lead from the front and play a big knock in this crucial game for his side.

• Rishad Hussain

Bangladesh Allrounder Rishad Hussain bowled beautifully against India as he got the prized wicket of Virat Kohli. The conditions in Rawalpindi will assist spinners so we are expecting him to do magic with the ball once again.

• Tohid Hiridoy

He was the best batter for Bangladesh in the last match against India as he scored a great hundred and took his team to a respectable score. Bangladesh would want their inform batter to go big again and play a role in setting a good total.

Pitch and conditions

Weather is expected to be clear and pleasant for this encounter. The pitch is expected to be fresh and good for batting. It is expected to be a high-scoring name. Whereas spinners will get good assistance from the pitch.

Match Prediction

New Zealand is a powerhouse team and is in top form having won their last 4 matches. So, They will enter this contest as strong favorites. Their batters and bowlers are in great form. They have quality spinners who are on a roll. But Kiwis Know well that Bangladesh have all the ability to defeat any opposition on their day. 

    Photo: New Zealand team players credit -ICC

So, What do you think about who will win this contest? And who do you think will win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.