RAWALPINDI: Bangladesh posted a modest total of 236 runs in their crucial ICC Champions Trophy 2025 group-stage match against New Zealand at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday, courtesy of skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto’s composed 77 and Jaker Ali’s valuable contribution in the death overs.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner’s decision to bowl first proved effective, as his bowlers kept Bangladesh in check throughout the innings.
Michael Bracewell was the standout performer, claiming an impressive four-wicket haul for just 26 runs in his 10 overs, dismantling Bangladesh’s middle order.
Bangladesh got off to a steady start, with openers Najmul Hossain Shanto and Tanzid Hasan putting together a 45-run stand.
However, the breakthrough came in the ninth over when Bracewell removed Tanzid for 24 off 24 balls. Mehidy Hasan Miraz (13) was next to depart, leaving Bangladesh at 64 for 2 in 12 overs.
Tawhid Hridoy’s arrival did little to stabilise the innings, as he fell cheaply to Bracewell for just 7, reducing Bangladesh to 97 for 3.
The experienced duo of Mushfiqur Rahim (2) and Mahmudullah (5) also perished quickly, both victims of Bracewell’s disciplined bowling, as Bangladesh found themselves struggling at 118 for 5 in the 26th over.
Shanto, standing firm at one end, found some much-needed support in Jaker Ali. The pair built a crucial 45-run partnership for the sixth wicket, helping Bangladesh cross the 150-run mark.
However, the resistance ended when Shanto was dismissed by Will O’Rourke in the 38th over, having played a well-constructed innings of 77 off 110 balls, featuring nine boundaries.
Jaker continued to hold the innings together, adding 33 runs with Rishad Hossain, who made a useful 26 off 25 deliveries.
Jaker’s crucial knock of 45 off 55 balls, including three fours and a six, ensured Bangladesh reached a respectable total before he was dismissed in the penultimate over.
Taskin Ahmed chipped in with a 10-run cameo off 20 balls to push the total to 236 for 9 in 50 overs.
For New Zealand, Bracewell’s four wickets were the highlight of the innings, while O’Rourke picked up two. Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson also made their presence felt, claiming a wicket each.
New Zealand, who started their Champions Trophy campaign with a dominant win over Pakistan on February 19, will now aim to chase down the target and secure a semi-final berth.
Bangladesh, having already lost to India in their opening match, face a must-win situation to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.
This match holds added significance for Pakistan, who rely heavily on the result for their own qualification chances. The defending champions will be hoping for a Bangladesh victory, which would enhance their prospects in the tournament. Bangladesh will next take on Pakistan on February 27 in their final group-stage fixture.
Bangladesh 119/5 after 27 overs
Bangladesh are currently struggling at 119 for 5 after 27 overs against New Zealand in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.
Najmul Hossain Shanto has anchored the innings with a resilient 76 runs off 108 balls.
However, the team’s overall run rate has been sluggish, particularly against spin bowling. Over the past five years, Bangladesh’s scoring rate against spin has been 4.77 runs per over, with only Afghanistan being slower among Test-playing nations.
The pitch, while slightly slow, doesn’t fully justify this batting performance. The batsmen have struggled to rotate the strike, missing opportunities to alleviate pressure by taking singles and twos.
According to ESPNcricinfo’s forecast, after 32 overs, Bangladesh is projected to finish with just 230 runs, a total that may not be competitive enough to keep them in contention for the Champions Trophy.
3 Down for Bangladesh
Bracewell dismisses Tawhid Hridoy for 7 in 24 balls. New Zealand spinners are taking back control of the innings which Bangladesh started well.
Bangladesh are currently 97 at the loss of 2 early wickets in 20 overs. Bangladeshi batsmen seem to be in a mood to provide stability to the innings.
25 runs in eight overs since the field restrictions were lifted. That’s just 3.13 per over. Bangladesh went at 5.8 in the first 10 overs.
Rawalpindi is buzzing with excitement as it prepares to host its inaugural match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Pindi Cricket Stadium, featuring a thrilling face-off between Bangladesh and New Zealand on Monday.
The pitch at Rawalpindi is known to favour batsmen, providing a solid foundation for run accumulation, though fast bowlers can find some assistance, especially in the early overs with a fresh ball. As for the weather, Monday promises a blend of sunshine and scattered clouds, with temperatures likely dipping below 20°C post-sunset, creating an ideal backdrop for cricket.
Ruthless battleground
The ICC Champions Trophy is a ruthless battleground where a single mistake can lead to devastating consequences. Bangladesh finds itself in a tight spot, urgently needing a victory following a tough defeat to India. Their tournament aspirations hang by a thread, and they will face a formidable New Zealand squad that recently showcased their dominance by overpowering the host nation, Pakistan, in their opening match.
Despite the setback of losing Rachin Ravindra to injury, New Zealand boasts a resilient batting lineup. Will Young and Tom Latham made a statement with their impressive centuries, while Devon Conway and the ever-reliable Kane Williamson add depth and stability to the top order. The explosive talents of Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell further enhance their batting arsenal, with Phillips already proving his mettle in this tournament. Under the astute leadership of skipper Mitchell Santner, who has excelled both as a captain and in his economical spin bowling, New Zealand also relies on the pace prowess of Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke, who have been lethal both with the new ball and during the death overs.
Stakes are high
For Bangladesh, the stakes could not be higher—it is win or face elimination. Their batting faltered against India, but Tawhid Hridoy’s fighting century and Jaker Ali’s half-century revealed their resilience in tough times. Against a strong New Zealand side, the top order must rise to the occasion. Soumya Sarkar, who dazzled with a stunning 169 against the Kiwis in 2023, aims to replicate that performance, while Tanzid Hasan has shown flashes of brilliance. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto must inspire his team, with veteran players like Mushfiqur Rahim and a potentially returning Mahmudullah providing crucial experience. On the bowling front, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib offer a potent mix of speed and skill, while Nahid Rana could add extra firepower. Rishad Hossain’s leg-spin and the all-round capabilities of Mehidy Hasan Miraz will be pivotal in the spin department.
This match is not merely about securing points; it is a fight for survival. New Zealand aims to clinch a spot in the semifinals, while Bangladesh battles to stay alive in the tournament. With so much at stake, expect an electrifying contest where every run and wicket will carry immense significance.
Stats and trivia
Bangladesh beat New Zealand in their previous Champions Trophy meeting, in Cardiff in 2017. The head-to-head record in the competition thus stands at 1-1.
New Zealand have been Bangladesh’s most frequent opponents in ODIs since 2015. New Zealand have dominated the head-to-head with 17 wins and three defeats in 21 matches.
Against Pakistan, Young and Latham became the second New Zealand pair to score centuries in the same match in an ICC ODI tournament. The first pair was Ravindra and Conway, who hit hundreds against England in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Jaker and Hridoy’s 154-run partnership for the sixth wicket against India was a record stand for Bangladesh. The previous highest partnership for that wicket also involved Jaker, who had added 150 with Mahmudullah in Bangladesh’s previous ODI, against West Indies in December 2024.
Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Soumya Sarkar, 3 Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), 4 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 5 Tohwid Hridoy, 6 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 7 Jaker Ali, 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Tanzim Hasan, 10 Taskin Ahmed, 11 Mustafizur Rahman
New Zealand (probable): 1 Will Young, 2 Devon Conway, 3 Kane Williamson, 4 Daryl Mitchell, 5 Tom Latham (wk), 6 Glenn Phillips, 7 Michael Bracewell, 8 Mitchell Santner (capt), 9 Nathan Smith, 10 Matt Henry, 11 Will O’Rourke
With the ball after a toss win for Mitch Santner. Two changes to the XI as Rachin Ravindra returns in place of Daryl Mitchell who misses out due to illness. Kyle Jamieson comes in for Nathan Smith. Watch play LIVE in NZ on @skysportnz 📺 LIVE scoring | https://t.co/vy2Mq8gMF5 📲 pic.twitter.com/d5d194m0Qe
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 24, 2025
