ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Match 6 Group A: Bangladesh vs New Zealand – February 24, 2025

Overview

The highly anticipated clash between Bangladesh and New Zealand will take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday, February 24, 2025. Both teams enter this match with contrasting fortunes in the tournament so far, setting the stage for an intriguing encounter.

Current Form

New Zealand

• Position: 1st in Group A points table with 1 win.
• Top Run Scorer: Tom Latham (118 runs).
• Top Wicket Taker: Mitchell Santner (3 wickets).

Recent Performance:
New Zealand began their ICC Champions Trophy campaign in impressive fashion, defeating Pakistan by 60 runs. Batting first, they amassed a substantial total of 320 for 5 in 50 overs, thanks to standout performances from Tom Latham (118*), Will Young (107), and Glenn Phillips (61). In the chase, Pakistan struggled to keep pace, finishing at 260 all out. This strong start has placed New Zealand firmly in contention for a top spot in Group A.

Bangladesh

• Position: 3rd in Group A points table with 1 loss.
• Top Run Scorer: Towhid Hridoy (100 runs).
• Top Wicket Taker: Rishad Hossain (2 wickets).

Recent Performance:
Bangladesh's opening game against India ended in a disappointing 6-wicket loss. They managed to score just 228, with Towhid Hridoy leading the charge with an unbeaten century and Jaker Ali Anik contributing 68 runs. However, Shubman Gill's masterclass (101 not out) guided India to a comfortable victory. Bangladesh will need a significant improvement in both batting and bowling to challenge New Zealand.

Match Predictions

• Toss Winner: Bangladesh
• Match Winner: New Zealand
• Top Performer:
  • Batsman: Will Young (NZ)
  • Bowler: Oshada Lakmali (BD)

Key Stats & Expectations

1. New Zealand's Strengths:

   • A powerful batting lineup, with Tom Latham and Will Young in fine form.
   • Mitchell Santner's ability to take wickets at crucial stages could prove pivotal.

2. Bangladesh's Challenges:

   • They need a more consistent batting performance to challenge New Zealand's total.
   • Oshada Lakmali has been their standout bowler so far; his ability to deliver accurate spells will be key.

3. Match Outcome:

   • Despite Bangladesh's recent victory over New Zealand in a bilateral series, the odds heavily favor New Zealand (1.19) compared to Bangladesh (4.50). Their superior form and depth in both batting and bowling suggest they are likely to continue their winning momentum.

Teams

New Zealand:

• Squad: Tom Latham, Will Young, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert, Henry Shipley, Matt Henry, Otago Ferguson, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Ajaz Patel.
• Key Players to Watch: Tom Latham (formidable opener), Will Young (highly destructive middle-order batsman), and Mitchell Santner (all-rounder with wicket-taking skills).

Bangladesh:

• Squad: Oshada Lakmali, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Aminul Islam, Musfiqur Rahim, Liton Das, Nurul Hasib, Mahedi Hasan, Mominul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan.
• Key Players to Watch: Oshada Lakmali (pacesetter in the bowling attack), Mustafizur Rahman (wicket-taker with swing and guile), and Liton Das (consistent middle-order batsman).

Conclusion

This match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two teams with contrasting styles. While Bangladesh will aim to bounce back from their opening defeat, New Zealand's superior form and depth make them the favorites to secure another victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting clash!