Bangladesh are determined to make a strong comeback in a bid to keep their Champions trophy mission alive as they will take on New Zealand in their second match of the tournament at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Pakistan today (Monday), report agencies.
The match will start at 3:00pm (Bangladesh Time).
A defeat may lead Bangladesh to an early exit from the tournament. But a victory looked an uphill task for them given that they are facing a team, considered as the most balanced side in the event.
Bangladesh got off to a disappointing start to the tournament by conceding six-wicket defeat to India. New Zealand, on the other hand, beat hosts Pakistan by 60 runs to make a good start.
The condition in Dubai and Rawalpindi will be vastly different, according to Bangladesh batter Towhid hridoy who hammered a scintillating century against India in the first match. His century was the first by a Bangladeshi batter against India in an ICC event.
"We know Pakistan's condition will be different. From here we will (try to) come back stronger first," Hridoy said. "We have a plan up in the sleeve and we'll try to execute it properly."
Bangladesh met New Zealand for 45 times in ODI cricket and won just 11, while lost 33 matches. One match ended in a no result.
Amongst the last five matches between the two sides, Bangladesh won just one and lost four but that one victory came in the two team's last meeting in December 2023 in Napier. That was Bangladesh's first victory in ODI format on New Zealand soil.
And they won the match by steamrolling Kiwis by nine wickets. After wrapping up New Zealand for just 98 runs, Bangladesh rode on captain Najmul Hossain Shanto's 42 ball-51 not out to secure the victory in just 15.1 overs. That they won the match, keeping 209 balls unused is itself a record for Bangladesh in this format.
A confident New Zealand side will be eager to seal their semifinal spot when they will take on Bangladesh.
The Black Caps started their campaign in dominant fashion, defeating hosts Pakistan by 60 runs. This emphatic victory placed them at the top of Group A with a healthy net run rate of 1.200. A win on Monday will put them within touching distance of a semifinal berth.
New Zealand looked clinical in their opening match, and their recent triumph in the tri-series has further helped them adapt to the conditions in Pakistan.
However, they now face a selection dilemma with the potential return of Rachin Ravindra from a head injury.
In his absence, Devon Conway and Will Young opened the innings. Initially, Young was expected to make way for Ravindra, but the right-hander's century against Pakistan has complicated the decision - in a positive way.
Moreover, Young has consistently proven his ability to handle spin bowling effectively. Dropping him would also disrupt the left-hand-right-hand combination at the top, which could be crucial for New Zealand's batting strategy.
Meanwhile, Conway appears to be regaining his best form. Apart from this selection call, New Zealand look well-settled and are unlikely to make further changes to their playing XI.
Bangladesh, however, face an uphill task and must regroup quickly after their disappointing defeat against neighbours India.
The pressure will be on their top order to deliver, as their batting struggles were evident in the previous match.
Their bowlers performed well but lacked the runs to defend.
Adding to their woes, sloppy fielding cost them valuable opportunities, and they will need a significant improvement in that area if they hope to challenge a quality side like New Zealand.
Bangladesh, however, can take inspiration from their previous Champions Trophy clash against New Zealand, where they knocked the Black Caps out of the tournament.
They will be hoping for a similar upset to keep their semifinal hopes alive.
© 2025 - All Rights with The Financial Express
