PAK vs BAN Preview| Pakistan vs Bangladesh, ICC Champions Trophy 2025 | Match Preview, Playing XI, Predictions, and More

Pakistan vs Bangladesh – A Battle for Redemption

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is nearing the final stages of the group phase, with teams fighting for a spot in the semifinals. However, the upcoming clash between Pakistan and Bangladesh in the 9th match of Group A is nothing more than a contest for pride. Both teams have been eliminated after suffering defeats against New Zealand and India, leaving them with no hope of progression.

Yet, while the stakes are low, the intensity remains. For Pakistan, it is a matter of salvaging some dignity as the tournament hosts, while Bangladesh will look to end their campaign on a high, especially for two of their senior players Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah who may be playing their final ICC event in ODIs.

Match Details

• Date & Time: Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 2:00 PM Local Time

• Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan

• Weather Report: Rain threatens to disrupt proceedings, as seen in the washed-out Australia vs South Africa game earlier in the tournament. Overcast conditions and damp surfaces could influence team selections and bowling strategies.

• Pitch Report: The Rawalpindi surface has historically supported both pacers and spinners. However, with continuous rain, the pitch might retain moisture, making batting difficult in the early overs. If the match proceeds, seamers from both sides could have an impact.

Team Previews

Pakistan – Seeking a Consolation Victory

Pakistan’s campaign has been nothing short of disappointing. Their batting order struggled to put up challenging scores, and their bowling attack, once feared, looked ineffective. Despite Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel showing some resistance with half-centuries, the team collectively failed to deliver.

One major concern has been the top order, with Imam-ul-Haq failing to make an impact. Mohammad Rizwan, despite his experience, has been inconsistent. Pakistan might look to experiment, potentially bringing in Usman Khan and Kamran Ghulam. Meanwhile, the pace attack led by Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf has been expensive, and there is a possibility that Mohammad Hasnain or Faheem Ashraf could get a game.

Probable Playing XI: Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Salman Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

Bangladesh – A Farewell to the Veterans

Bangladesh’s batting woes mirrored Pakistan’s struggles. The Tigers posted modest scores of 228 and 240 in their previous matches, failing to accelerate in the middle overs. The likes of Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, and Jaker Ali have shown glimpses of promise, but their performances lacked consistency.

This match could be an emotional farewell for Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah, who have been instrumental in Bangladesh cricket for over a decade. On the bowling front, Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman have provided some stability, but their efforts have been let down by the underwhelming batting.

Probable Playing XI: Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman.

Key Players to Watch

• Pakistan: Abrar Ahmed – The mystery spinner has been a rare positive in Pakistan’s campaign. His ability to take wickets in the middle overs could be crucial in restricting Bangladesh’s batting.

• Bangladesh: Jaker Ali – Emerging as a reliable middle-order batter, Jaker Ali has shown the temperament needed to stabilize Bangladesh’s innings. He will be crucial in the latter half of the innings.

Dream 11 Fantasy Cricket Prediction

Considering the conditions and current form, here’s a balanced fantasy team combination:

• Wicketkeeper: Mohammad Rizwan (C)

• Batters: Babar Azam, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Usman Khan

• All-rounders: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (VC), Salman Agha, Faheem Ashraf

• Bowlers: Taskin Ahmed, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf

Winning Prediction – Who Holds the Edge

Pakistan leads the head-to-head record against Bangladesh in ODIs, especially at home, where they have never lost to the Tigers in 12 encounters. However, their current form does not inspire much confidence. If Pakistan can sort out their batting struggles and take advantage of familiar conditions, they might have the upper hand.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, will rely on their experienced middle order and disciplined pace attack to cause an upset. If the likes of Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali fire with the bat, Bangladesh could push Pakistan to the limit.

Prediction: Pakistan has a slight edge, but a Bangladesh upset isn’t off the table, especially if the weather plays a role in a reduced match scenario.

Interesting Facts – Stats That Matter

• This is the first time Pakistan and Bangladesh are facing each other in a Champions Trophy match.

• Pakistan has an unbeaten 12-0 record against Bangladesh in ODIs at home.

• Bangladesh’s pacers have outperformed Pakistan’s in the tournament, with a bowling average of 44.83 compared to Pakistan’s 63.50.

• Most dot balls bowled in the tournament so far: Bangladesh (181 vs NZ), Pakistan (162 vs NZ), Bangladesh (160 vs IND), Pakistan (152 vs IND).

Final Thoughts

While this match may be a dead rubber in terms of qualification, it holds significant importance for both teams. Pakistan will want to end their home campaign on a high note, while Bangladesh will hope to send off their veterans with a memorable performance. Rain could be the biggest factor in deciding whether we get a complete game or another washout.

Expect a competitive contest, with both sides playing with freedom, aiming to salvage pride in what has been a lackluster tournament for them.