Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan vs Bangladesh – Preview, Prediction and Where To Watch The Match LIVE

The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host the final Group A clash of the Champions Trophy 2025 between Pakistan (PAK) and Bangladesh (BAN), with both teams already eliminated from the tournament. The match is scheduled for Thursday, February 27.

Pakistan vs Bangladesh: Preview

As multi-team tournaments reach their latter stages, matches typically become high-stakes affairs, with teams jostling for qualification spots and supporters keeping an eye on rival results. However, that isn’t the case here.

This penultimate Group A clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 between hosts Pakistan and Bangladesh carries no stakes—just pride. Both sides have already been knocked out after losses to New Zealand and India, leaving Thursday’s contest in Rawalpindi as a dead rubber.

It has been a forgettable tournament for both Pakistan and Bangladesh, and the team talks ahead of their final Group A clash in Rawalpindi will likely revolve around playing for pride. To add to their woes, the gloomy weather forecast threatens to dampen spirits further in both dressing rooms.

Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign has been disappointing, with their performances against New Zealand and India exposing significant flaws. The top order has underperformed collectively. With Fakhar Zaman sidelined due to injury, Imam-ul-Haq’s inclusion hasn’t provided the desired boost. Saud Shakeel and Babar Azam have managed a half-century each but failed to leave a lasting impact. Despite scoring a century in the home tri-series, Mohammad Rizwan has struggled to find form in this tournament. Pakistan might consider introducing Kamran Ghulam for a fresh approach, but that raises the question of who to drop.

The struggles don’t end there. The middle order, featuring Khushdil Shah, Salman Agha, and Tayyab Tahir, appears redundant, with all three playing similar roles and contributing to the team’s stagnation. Faheem Ashraf could have offered balance but remains unused. Pakistan’s pace attack has also faltered—India dismantled both Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, while Naseem Shah, despite being the better performer, hasn’t looked at his best. Abrar Ahmed’s lone highlight was a brilliant delivery, overshadowed by his exuberant celebration.

Bangladesh’s campaign hasn’t been much different from Pakistan’s, except for their relatively stronger pace attack. Their batting has lacked variety and adaptability, often leaving the lower order to rescue them. The top order collapsed against India, while Michael Bracewell’s offspin dismantled the middle order in their other fixture. Najmul Hossain Shanto displayed promising form against New Zealand, and Jaker Ali has been consistent, but both will need to step up further against Pakistan. Towhid Hridoy, who scored a brilliant century against India, also carries added responsibility.

Veterans Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah will be eager to make a mark in what could be their final ICC appearance. While Mahmudullah has had just one outing, his lack of impact has been noticeable. Bangladesh will hope both seasoned campaigners end on a high note.

With the ball, Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana will once again shoulder the bulk of the workload, while Mustafizur Rahman has remained steady without delivering standout performances. The spin duo of Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Rishad Hossain will play a crucial role in Rawalpindi’s conditions, which are likely to favor them.

Neither team has impressed with the bat. Bangladesh’s inability to accelerate has left their lower order with damage control duties, while Pakistan have struggled to build momentum. Bangladesh managed totals of just 228 and 240 batting first, whereas Pakistan posted 260 chasing 321 and only 241 when setting a target—scores that highlight their collective batting shortcomings.

Still, this game presents an opportunity. With nothing on the line, both teams might finally shed their inhibitions, play with freedom, and offer their fans a reason to cheer after an underwhelming campaign.

Beyond this match, both teams face broader challenges. They must reassess priorities at the domestic level and address glaring issues in their international setups. With potential transitions looming, returning to the drawing board will be essential to mount a stronger campaign in future ICC tournaments.

Pakistan vs Bangladesh: Head-to-head

• Matches Played: 39
• Won by Pakistan: 34
• Won by Bangladesh: 5
• Tied: 0
• No Result: 0
• First-ever Fixture: 31 March 1986
• Most-recent Fixture: 31 October 2023

Pakistan vs Bangladesh: Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

Rain continues to loom over Rawalpindi as Pakistan and Bangladesh brace for their final match of the tournament. Tuesday’s clash between Australia and South Africa was called off without a toss due to relentless showers, and with similar conditions expected, there’s a risk this fixture could meet the same fate.

The pitch, likely covered for much of the past three days, may retain extra moisture, potentially influencing play if the weather permits any action. For hosts Pakistan, the hope is to avoid ending their home campaign on a damp note.

Pakistan vs Bangladesh: Recent Form

Pakistan LLLWL (last five completed ODIs, most recent first)
Bangladesh LLLLL

Pakistan vs Bangladesh: Team News and Predicted XI

Pakistan – Team News

With nothing at stake in their final Champions Trophy fixture, Pakistan might consider rotating their squad. Mohammad Hasnain, Faheem Ashraf, Usman Khan, and Kamran Ghulam are yet to feature in the tournament, and this could be an opportunity to hand them some game time.

Resting a frontline pacer to accommodate Hasnain or Ashraf is a possibility, while Usman and Ghulam provide alternatives to bolster the batting lineup.

Pakistan – Predicted XI

1. Imam-ul-Haq/Usman Khan
2. Babar Azam
3. Saud Shakeel
4. Mohammad Rizwan (capt, wk)
5. Salman Agha
6. Tayyab Tahir
7. Khushdil Shah
8. Shaheen Shah Afridi/Mohammad Hasnain
9. Naseem Shah
10. Haris Rauf
11. Abrar Ahmed

Bangladesh – Team News

This match could mark the end of an era for Bangladesh, with veterans Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah potentially making their final ICC ODI appearances as the team prepares to usher in a new generation of players.

Despite the transitional phase, Bangladesh are expected to retain the same playing XI from their clash against New Zealand.

Bangladesh – Predicted XI

1. Tanzid Hasan
2. Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt)
3. Mehidy Hasan Miraz
4. Tohwid Hridoy
5. Mushfiqur Rahim (wk)
6. Mahmudullah
7. Jaker Ali
8. Rishad Hossain
9. Taskin Ahmed
10. Mustafizur Rahman
11. Nahid Rana

Pakistan vs Bangladesh: Players To Watch Out For

Abrar Ahmed (Pakistan)

While Abrar Ahmed’s celebratory send-off after dismissing Shubman Gill grabbed headlines, his performances have been a rare bright spot for Pakistan in recent weeks.

He has consistently threatened with the ball while maintaining tight economy rates. However, Bangladesh dealt with him effectively during the Rawalpindi Test last year, making Thursday’s encounter an intriguing battle to watch.

Jaker Ali (Bangladesh)

Jaker Ali has emerged as a key asset for Bangladesh in the lower-middle order in recent months. In just seven ODIs, he boasts an impressive average of over 50 with two half-centuries.

Known for his powerful hitting in the death overs, he consistently finds boundaries but would benefit from batting alongside another specialist for added support. Additionally, Jaker provides a wicketkeeping option should Bangladesh consider resting Mushfiqur Rahim to adjust their lineup.

Pakistan vs Bangladesh: Prediction

• Toss: Pakistan win the toss and opt to bowl first
• Powerplay Score: 40-60
• Bangladesh Total: 240-260
• Match Result: Pakistan win the match

Scenario 2

• Toss: Bangladesh win the toss and opt to bowl first
• Powerplay Score: 60-75
• Pakistan Total:  270- 290
• Match Result: Bangladesh win the match

When and Where To Watch Pakistan vs Bangladesh LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details

The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Group A encounter between Pakistan and Bangladesh is scheduled for Thursday, February 27, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi in Pakistan. The match will commence at 2:30 PM IST, with the toss set for

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