New Zealand vs Bangladesh in Champions Trophy 2025 Preview, Time, Venue, Squads

Bangladesh and New Zealand will face off in a crucial ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on February 24. The stakes are high, especially for Bangladesh, as a loss will end their chances of reaching the semifinals.  

Bangladesh comes into this match after a six-wicket defeat against India, where their top-order batting struggled. Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, and Najmul Hossain Shanto failed to make an impact, but Towhid Hridoy (100 off 118 balls) and Jaker Ali (68 runs) showed resilience to help their team post a respectable total. Their bowlers, including Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, performed well in patches but could not defend the score.  

New Zealand, on the other hand, started their campaign with a dominant 60-run win over Pakistan. Will Young (107 runs) and Tom Latham (118 runs) led the batting charge, while Matt Henry (2 wickets) and Will O’Rourke (3 wickets) played key roles in their bowling attack. If the Kiwis win this match, they will be close to securing a semifinal spot.  

Match details
Date & Time: February 24, 2:00 PM (PST)  
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi  

Pitch and weather conditions  
This will be the first match of the tournament in Rawalpindi, a venue known for its batting-friendly pitch. The surface offers good bounce and pace, making stroke play easier. Seamers may get some early movement, but spinners could struggle. Historically, teams chasing have had an advantage here.  

The weather forecast predicts clear skies with no chances of rain. The temperature is expected to be between 18-22°C, providing good playing conditions.  

Head-to-head record  
Bangladesh and New Zealand have faced each other multiple times in ODIs, with New Zealand having the upper hand. However, Bangladesh has a history of causing upsets in major tournaments, making this contest an exciting one.  

Team news  
Bangladesh: No injury concerns, but changes in the top order are likely. Mahmudullah could be included to add experience.  

New Zealand: No major injury worries. They are expected to play the same XI after their strong performance against Pakistan.  

Squads
Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (WK), Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Mahmudullah, Nasum Ahmed, Parvez Hossain Emon, Nahid Rana 

New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (WK), Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Jacob Duffy, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young

With Bangladesh fighting for survival and New Zealand aiming to strengthen their semifinal chances, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter in the Champions Trophy 2025.