Bangladesh is set to take on New Zealand in the sixth match of the Champions Trophy 2025 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on February 24. In a high-stakes tournament like the Champions Trophy, where every match matters, an early defeat can put a team under immense pressure, forcing them into must-win scenarios. Bangladesh now faces that challenge after their loss to India as they gear up to take on a strong New Zealand side in the fourth Group A match.
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Bangladesh vs New Zealand: Preview
New Zealand is in top form. They entered the Champions Trophy fresh off an unbeaten run in the tri-series against South Africa and Pakistan, whom they comfortably defeated again in the tournament opener.
Centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham powered New Zealand to a total exceeding 300, before Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke dismantled Pakistan’s top order during the powerplay. Their trio of spinners then tightened the screws with impactful spells, effectively ending the contest early in the chase. It was a near-flawless display from a well-prepared side.
A victory over familiar foes Bangladesh in Rawalpindi will not only secure New Zealand’s spot in the semi-finals but also confirm India’s place—an impressive feat considering their pre-tournament injury setbacks to key bowlers.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, has struggled in ODIs over the past couple of years. Openers Soumya Sarkar and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto were dismissed for ducks as they collapsed to 35 for 5 against India. Their total of 228 was largely thanks to Jaker Ali’s 68—an innings that wouldn’t have materialized had Rohit Sharma held a straightforward catch on Ali’s first ball. Towhid Hridoy scored his maiden ODI century but battled cramps toward the end of his innings; the cooler Rawalpindi conditions may offer him some relief. Encouragingly, senior batter Mahmudullah is likely to return after missing the India match with a hamstring issue.
Bangladesh’s bowling was disciplined against India, but they’ll need stronger performances from Taskin Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Extra pace from Nahid Rana, their fastest bowler, could also be pivotal—especially since New Zealand has never faced him, offering Bangladesh a potential edge in this must-win clash to keep their Champions Trophy hopes alive.
Despite showing resilience against India in Dubai—recovering from 35/5 to post 228 and putting up a fight with the ball—Bangladesh cannot afford any further setbacks. Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali led the resistance with the bat on a sluggish pitch following a top-order collapse, but the team will be eager to avoid a repeat. The likes of Soumya Sarkar, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto will need to step up with the bat. Their bowling unit, particularly the slower bowlers, was effective, but greater accuracy in line and length will be crucial.
New Zealand, in contrast, remained composed despite early setbacks against Pakistan. Will Young and Tom Latham anchored the innings with brilliant centuries, followed by a fiery half-century from Glenn Phillips, guiding them to a commanding total. Their bowlers then executed a well-rounded performance, with pacers and spinners complementing each other to secure a dominant win. Having spent time in Pakistan and maintaining an unbeaten streak since the tri-series before the Champions Trophy, New Zealand will be confident of extending their run and bolstering their semifinal aspirations.
Bangladesh vs New Zealand: Head-to-head
Bangladesh triumphed over New Zealand in their last Champions Trophy encounter held in Cardiff in 2017, leveling their head-to-head record in the tournament at 1-1.
Since 2015, New Zealand has been Bangladesh’s most frequent ODI opponent, and the Black Caps have maintained dominance, winning 17 of their 21 meetings, with Bangladesh claiming three victories.
- Matches Played: 45
- Won by New Zealand: 33
- Won by Bangladesh: 11
- Tied: 0
- No Result: 1
- First-ever Fixture: April 28, 1990
- Most-recent Fixture: December 23, 2023
Bangladesh vs New Zealand: Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
Unlike the previous international match at this venue—a Test against England—there will be no industrial fans or outdoor heaters used to dry the pitch this time. Rawalpindi generally provides good batting conditions, offering some help to fast bowlers while the ball is new and shiny. Monday’s forecast predicts cloudy skies with temperatures expected to drop below 20°C after sunset.
The last time Rawalpindi hosted ODIs was in April 2023, when Pakistan comfortably chased targets of 337 and 289 against New Zealand. Since 2010, the venue has hosted five ODIs, during which seven individual centuries have been scored. With the first Champions Trophy fixture set to be played here, big runs and more centuries seem likely. Of the five ODIs held at this ground since 2010, three have been won by teams batting first, while one ended in a tie.
Bangladesh vs New Zealand: Recent Form
Bangladesh: LLLLL (last five completed ODIs, most recent first)
New Zealand: WWWWL
Bangladesh vs New Zealand: Team News and Predicted XI
Bangladesh – Team News
Bangladesh are expected to make two changes as they consider bringing in Mahmudullah and Nahid Rana. The question, however, is who will make way for them. Mahmudullah, who missed the opening game due to a calf muscle issue, will have his availability for the New Zealand clash determined after their final practice session.
If deemed fit, Mushfiqur Rahim could be the one to sit out, with Jaker Ali potentially taking over wicketkeeping duties. On the positive side, Towhid Hridoy, who experienced cramps during the India match, is now fully fit. Bangladesh may also opt for Nahid Rana, their express pacer who impressed during their Test series win against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, possibly replacing Tanzim Hasan Sakib in the playing XI.
Bangladesh – Predicted XI
- Tanzid Hasan
- Soumya Sarkar
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt)
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Tohwid Hridoy
- Mushfiqur Rahim (wk)
- Jaker Ali
- Rishad Hossain
- Tanzim Hasan
- Taskin Ahmed
- Mustafizur Rahman
New Zealand – Team News
New Zealand rested Rachin Ravindra for the match against Pakistan after he sustained a forehead injury while fielding during the tri-series preceding the Champions Trophy. In his absence, Devon Conway has delivered scores of 97, 48, and 10 as an opener, while Will Young struck a century in the previous game.
Mitchell Santner’s side opted to go without Rachin Ravindra in the tournament opener as he was still recovering from the injury. Even if Ravindra has recovered sufficiently, New Zealand may stick with the same playing XI. However, if they choose to bring Ravindra back, the question remains: who will make way for him?
New Zealand – Predicted XI
- Will Young
- Devon Conway
- Kane Williamson
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tom Latham (wk)
- Glenn Phillips
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner (capt)
- Nathan Smith
- Matt Henry
- Will O’Rourke
Bangladesh vs New Zealand: Players To Watch Out For
Towhid Hridoy (Bangladesh)
Towhid Hridoy’s long-awaited century finally arrived after more than two years and 34 matches. Facing a formidable Indian bowling attack, he showcased his range of shots en route to the milestone.
With the century under his belt, he now has a solid platform to build on. However, Bangladesh will be hoping for greater endurance from him, especially after he suffered cramps and faded towards the end of his innings in Dubai.
Glenn Phillips (New Zealand)
Glenn Phillips is a dynamic force on the field. His spectacular catch to dismiss Mohammad Rizwan in Karachi—leaping high to his left at backward point—has become one of the tournament’s standout moments, enough to make even the best goalkeepers envious.
Beyond his exceptional fielding, Phillips provides late-innings acceleration with his aggressive batting down the order. Add to that his ability to bowl handy off-spin and keep wickets, and you’re left wondering: Is there anything Glenn Phillips can’t do?
Bangladesh vs New Zealand: Prediction
Scenario 1
- Toss: Bangladesh win the toss and opt to bat first
- Powerplay Score: 40-50
- Bangladesh Total: 260-280
- Match Result: Bangladesh win the match
Scenario 2
- Toss: New Zealand win the toss and opt to bat first
- Powerplay Score: 40-50
- New Zealand Total: 280-300
- Match Result: New Zealand win the match
When and Where To Watch Bangladesh vs New Zealand LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Group A encounter between Bangladesh and New Zealand is scheduled for Monday, February 24, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi in Pakistan. The match will commence at 2:30 PM IST, with the toss set for 2:00 PM. Fans can watch the live broadcast on the Star Sports Network, while live streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app and website.
FAQs
When and where will the Bangladesh vs New Zealand Champions Trophy 2025 match take place?
The Bangladesh vs New Zealand clash will be held on February 24, 2025, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.
What is the head-to-head record between Bangladesh and New Zealand in the Champions Trophy?
The teams are tied 1-1 in the Champions Trophy head-to-head, with Bangladesh winning their previous meeting in Cardiff in 2017.
How have Bangladesh and New Zealand performed in recent ODIs?
New Zealand has been dominant, winning 17 of their last 21 ODIs against Bangladesh, while Bangladesh has struggled with consistency but showed fight against India.
Who are the key players to watch in the Bangladesh vs New Zealand match?
For Bangladesh, watch out for Towhid Hridoy, fresh off his maiden ODI century, and Mahmudullah, who may return from injury. New Zealand will rely on Will Young, Tom Latham, and the versatile Glenn Phillips.
