Rawalpindi – In the ICC Champions Trophy, New Zealand faces Bangladesh, with the Bengal Tigers dreaming of surprising the Kiwis. This Group A match is being played at Rawalpindi Stadium. In the sixth match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first against Bangladesh.
Speaking at the toss, the New Zealand captain announced the inclusion of Kyle Jamieson and Rachin Ravindra in the team.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto stated that had they won the toss, they would have also chosen to field first. He also mentioned that the team has made two changes for this match. This is the second match for both New Zealand and Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy.
After defeating Pakistan, the Kiwis are determined to overcome Bangladesh and secure their place in the semi-finals. On the other hand, this match holds immense significance for Bangladesh, as a defeat could end their chances of reaching the semi-finals.
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New Zealand started the tournament impressively, defeating Pakistan by 60 runs and topping Group A with a net run rate of 1.200. If the Kiwis win this match, they will be one step closer to securing a semi-final spot.
New Zealand vs Bangladesh: High-Stakes Champions Trophy Clash
Bangladesh, however, suffered a six-wicket defeat against India in their opening match. To stay in the race for the semi-finals, they must win this match at any cost. New Zealand showcased a dominant performance in their first match and, after a recent successful tri-series, has adapted well to Pakistani conditions.
For the team management, Rachin Ravindra’s potential return presents a selection dilemma. In his absence, Devon Conway and Will Young opened the innings, with Young solidifying his place after scoring a century against Pakistan. If Ravindra is included, another player will have to be benched—a tough decision for the management.
Bangladesh struggled due to poor batting in their match against India. If not for Jaker Ali and Towhid Hridoy’s 154-run partnership, they might not have even crossed 100 runs. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto failed to capitalize on winning the toss, and poor fielding further hurt the team’s chances.
Cricket analysts suggest that if Bangladesh wants to defeat New Zealand, their batters must take responsibility, and their fielding must improve. A motivating factor for Bangladesh is their memorable victory over New Zealand in the 2017 Champions Trophy, where they knocked the Kiwis out of the tournament. The team will enter the field with the same spirit, hoping to surprise the Kiwis once again and keep their semi-final hopes alive.
