BAN vs NZ Today | Bangladesh vs New Zealand ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Match Preview, Playing XI, Fantasy Picks & Prediction, Weather Forecast, Winning Prediction

Bangladesh vs New Zealand, 6th Match, Group A – ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is heating up as Bangladesh faces off against a dominant New Zealand side in the 6th match of Group A. This high-stakes encounter will be crucial for Bangladesh, who need a win to stay in contention for the semi-finals. New Zealand, on the other hand, will look to continue their unbeaten streak and seal their spot in the knockout rounds.

Match Details

• Date: Monday, February 24, 2025

• Time: 2:30 PM IST (2:00 PM Local Time)

• Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan

Match Preview

Bangladesh’s journey in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 began with a defeat against India, pushing them into a must-win scenario. Despite a commendable fightback in their first game, their batting lineup struggled early on. Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali emerged as key players, stabilizing the innings on a tricky Dubai surface. However, Bangladesh’s top order, including Soumya Sarkar, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, must step up to avoid another collapse.

New Zealand, in contrast, began their campaign with a solid victory against Pakistan. Will Young and Tom Latham starred with centuries, supported by Glenn Phillips' explosive batting. Their bowling attack, spearheaded by Matt Henry and Will O'Rourke, ensured a clinical win. The Black Caps are currently in red-hot form and will aim to maintain their momentum against Bangladesh.

Pitch Report & Weather Conditions

Rawalpindi has historically been a high-scoring venue. The last ODIs played here saw successful 300+ run chases, indicating a batting-friendly surface. However, early assistance for fast bowlers can be expected under cloudy conditions.

• Pitch Behavior: Batting-friendly with some early movement for pacers.

• Weather: Cloudy, with temperatures dropping below 20°C post-sunset. No rain is expected, ensuring a full match.

• Toss Factor: Teams winning the toss might prefer batting first, considering previous trends.

Probable Playing XI

Bangladesh:

• Tanzid Hasan

• Soumya Sarkar

• Najmul Hossain Shanto (C)

• Towhid Hridoy

• Mushfiqur Rahim / Mahmudullah

• Mehidy Hasan Miraz

• Jaker Ali (WK)

• Rishad Hossain

• Tanzim Hasan Sakib / Nahid Rana

• Taskin Ahmed

• Mustafizur Rahman

New Zealand:

• Devon Conway

• Will Young

• Kane Williamson

• Daryl Mitchell

• Glenn Phillips

• Michael Bracewell

• Mitchell Santner (C)

• Nathan Smith

• Matt Henry

• William O'Rourke

• Rachin Ravindra (if fit)

Key Players to Watch

Bangladesh:

• Towhid Hridoy: Fresh off a century, he will be key to Bangladesh’s middle order.

• Mehidy Hasan Miraz: His all-round skills will be crucial against New Zealand’s strong batting.

• Taskin Ahmed: Needs to lead the bowling attack and provide early breakthroughs.

New Zealand:

• Will Young & Tom Latham: Both players are in top form, scoring centuries in the last game.

• Glenn Phillips: A dangerous finisher who can shift momentum in a few overs.

• Matt Henry: The strike bowler who can trouble Bangladesh’s top order.

Dream11 Fantasy Tips – Who Will Score More

For fantasy cricket players, picking the right combination is crucial. Based on recent performances and conditions:

High-Scoring Probabilities:

• Batters: Will Young, Tom Latham, Towhid Hridoy, Kane Williamson

• All-rounders: Glenn Phillips, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Daryl Mitchell

• Bowlers: Matt Henry, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman

• Captain/Vice-Captain Picks: Will Young (C), Towhid Hridoy (VC)

Winning Prediction

New Zealand holds the upper hand given their form and depth in both batting and bowling. Bangladesh will need a near-perfect performance to pull off an upset. However, if Bangladesh’s top order fires and their bowlers capitalize on early movement, they could challenge the Black Caps.

Prediction: New Zealand favorites to win, but Bangladesh can spring a surprise if their key players deliver.

Interesting Facts

• Bangladesh defeated New Zealand in their last Champions Trophy encounter in 2017, thanks to centuries from Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah.

• Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, and Will Young all have impressive ODI records against Bangladesh, averaging over 50.

• Daryl Mitchell has never been dismissed against Bangladesh in ODIs, with 201 runs in just three innings.

• Glenn Phillips' athleticism in the field makes him one of the most impactful all-rounders in world cricket today.

Final Thoughts

This clash is crucial for Bangladesh’s survival in the tournament, while New Zealand aims to secure a semi-final spot. Fans can expect a thrilling contest, filled with high-quality performances and strategic battles. Can Bangladesh stage a comeback, or will New Zealand continue their dominant run? We’ll find out soon!