ICC Champions Trophy 2025: BAN vs NZ – Match Preview & Prediction

Match Information

• Match: Bangladesh vs New Zealand, 6th Match, Group A, ICC Champions Trophy 2025
• Date: Monday, February 24, 2025
• Time: 6:00 PM (Local Time)
• Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Recent Form

Bangladesh: L, L, L, L, L

• Bangladesh has struggled in their recent matches, losing five straight games. They will need to find a way to overcome their poor form and produce a much-needed performance in this crucial ICC Champions Trophy match.

New Zealand: L, W, W, W, W

• New Zealand, on the other hand, has been in excellent form, with four consecutive victories after a single loss. Their confidence is high, and they will look to maintain their winning momentum.

Head-to-Head in the Last 5 Matches

1. Bangladesh won by 9 wickets (with 209 balls remaining)
2. New Zealand won by 7 wickets (with 22 balls remaining)
3. New Zealand won by 44 runs (DLS Method)
4. New Zealand won by 8 wickets (with 43 balls remaining)
5. New Zealand won by 7 wickets (with 91 balls remaining)

In their recent encounters, New Zealand has dominated, winning 4 out of the last 5 matches. Bangladesh will need to step up significantly if they are to challenge New Zealand in this fixture.

Team Analysis

Bangladesh Playing XI:

• Najmul Hossain Shanto (c): As captain, Shanto needs to lead from the front with the bat and make key decisions. His leadership could play a significant role in lifting Bangladesh’s spirits.
• Jaker Ali: A wicketkeeper-batter, Ali will need to provide stability in the middle order.
• Mahmudullah: An experienced allrounder who can turn the game with both bat and ball.
• Mehidy Hasan Miraz: A key allrounder who can provide crucial breakthroughs and support with the bat.
• Mushfiqur Rahim: An experienced wicketkeeper-batter, Rahim’s performance is vital for Bangladesh in the middle overs.
• Mustafizur Rahman: The left-arm pacer will be key with the ball, looking to break partnerships and bowl in the death overs.
• Nahid Rana, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed: These bowlers will have the responsibility of keeping the run rate in check and taking wickets when needed.
• Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy: Top-order batters, their contribution will be crucial in setting up a solid total for Bangladesh.

New Zealand Playing XI:

1. Mitchell Santner (c): As captain and a bowling allrounder, Santner has the ability to make match-winning contributions with both bat and ball.
2. Devon Conway: A solid opening batsman and wicketkeeper, Conway will be crucial in providing a strong start for New Zealand.
3. Tom Latham: Another experienced wicketkeeper-batter, Latham’s role is essential in stabilizing the innings.
4. Kane Williamson: New Zealand’s star top-order batter, Williamson’s experience will be critical in guiding his team to a big total.
5. Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears: New Zealand’s pace attack, led by Ferguson and Henry, will look to exploit any weaknesses in the Bangladesh batting line-up.
6. Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell: These allrounders provide depth to both batting and bowling, making New Zealand a well-rounded team.

Match Prediction

Based on recent form, team compositions, and head-to-head stats, New Zealand appears to be the stronger team heading into this clash. Their recent dominance, coupled with a well-balanced squad, gives them a clear edge over Bangladesh, who have been struggling in recent matches.

Key Factors for Bangladesh:

• They need a big performance from their top order, especially from Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim.
• The bowlers, led by Mustafizur Rahman, will have to perform exceptionally to contain New Zealand’s explosive batting line-up.

Key Factors for New Zealand:

• The form of their top-order batters, including Kane Williamson and Devon Conway, will be critical in setting a solid foundation.
• The pace attack, spearheaded by Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry, will look to put Bangladesh under pressure from the outset.

Predicted Winner: New Zealand by 6-8 wickets

With their superior form, depth in batting and bowling, and recent history against Bangladesh, New Zealand is expected to emerge victorious in this encounter. However, if Bangladesh can produce an upset, it would make for an exciting and unpredictable match.