NZ vs BAN: A Virtual Must-Win Situation for Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy 2025
The Bangladesh national cricket team, also known as the Bangla Tigers, find themselves in a precarious situation as they prepare to take on New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With a win being a must-requirement to stay relevant in the tournament, Bangladesh will need to put their best foot forward to cause an upset against the Kiwis.
A Challenging Prospect for the Kiwis
While New Zealand, currently on top of Group A with 4 points, may seem like the favorites to win, the team should not underestimate the Bangla Tigers’ capabilities. The Kiwis will need to be at the top of their game to overcome a Bangladesh side that has the potential to cause an upset. The conditions in Rawalpindi, which favor seamers, will also add an extra layer of complexity to the match.
Rachin Ravindra to Sit Out, Nahid Rana to Debut
Rachin Ravindra, who suffered a forehead injury in the Tri-Series opener against Pakistan, is expected to sit out this match, allowing Will Young to continue to wear the whites. New Zealand is likely to stick with the same playing XI that took on Pakistan in the opening match of the tournament. For Bangladesh, the door is open for new talent, and Nahid Rana, who impressed with his bowling in a Test series against Pakistan last year, might get a chance to showcase his skills in the same stadium that made him a household name in September.
Predicted Lineups for NZ vs BAN:
Bangladesh:
- Tanzid Hasan
- Soumya Sarkar
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (C)
- Towhid Hridoy
- Mushfiqur Rahim/Mahmudullah
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Jaker Ali
- Rishad Hossain
- Nahid Rana
- Taskin Ahmed
- Mustafizur Rahman
New Zealand:
- Devon Conway
- Will Young
- Kane Williamson
- Daryl Mitchell
- Glenn Phillips
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner (C)
- Nathan Smith
- Matt Henry
- William O’Rourke
With the game on the line for Bangladesh, it will be a stern test for the Kiwis, who will need to be at their best to emerge victorious. The match is expected to be an exciting contest, with both teams having their own strengths and weaknesses. Will New Zealand be able to overcome the Bangla Tigers’ challenge, or will Bangladesh pull off a stunning upset? The world will be watching to find out.
