Critical clash awaits Bangladesh against in-form New Zealand

In a high-stakes tournament like the Champions Trophy, starting with a loss can be a major setback, potentially forcing a team into must-win situations. Bangladesh now find themselves in that position after their defeat to India as they prepare to take on a formidable New Zealand team in what will be the fourth match of Group A.

Although they showed good fight in the game against India in Dubai, recovering from 35/5 to post 228 and then testing the opposition with the ball, Bangladesh can ill-afford any more slip-ups. Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali showed the way with the bat on a slow pitch after a top-order failure but Bangladesh will be keen to avoid another situation like that, hoping that the likes of Soumya Sarkar, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto give a better account of themselves. They were good with the ball, especially the slower bowlers, but better discipline in terms of line and lengths will certainly help their cause.

Unlike Bangladesh, New Zealand remained composed despite losing early wickets against Pakistan as Will Young and Tom Latham registered fine centuries, followed by a blazing half-century from Glenn Phillips, propelling them to a strong total. Their bowlers then delivered a clinical performance, with pacers and spinners working in tandem to secure a convincing victory and an early edge in the competition. Having been in Pakistan for a while and maintaining an unbeaten run since the tri-series preceding the Champions Trophy, New Zealand will be confident of extending their streak and strengthening their bid for a semifinal spot.

When: Monday, February 24 at 2:30 PM IST (2:00 PM Local Time)

Where: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

What to expect: The last time Rawalpindi hosted ODIs was in April 2023 when Pakistan chased down targets of 337 and 289 comfortably against New Zealand. Rawalpindi has hosted five ODIs since 2010 and there have been seven individual centuries scored here in that period. Big runs and more centuries are on the cards come the first CT fixture at this venue. Three of the five ODIs have been won by the side batting first, while one ended in a tie.

Bangladesh Probable XI: Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim/Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib/Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman

New Zealand Probable XI: Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, William O'Rourke

Key Statistics:

• Tom Latham (Two 100s & four 50s), Kane Williamson (one 100 & four 50s), Will Young (one 100 & three 50s) and Devon Conway (one 100 & one 50) have good numbers against Bangladesh, with all of them averaging 50-plus.
• Daryl Mitchell has scored 201 runs in three innings against Bangladesh, including a hundred and a fifty, and is yet to be dismissed. He has also scored two hundreds in the two ODIs that he's played in Rawalpindi.