Image: New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl against Bangladesh / © Free Press Journal
With the Champions Trophy 2025 heating up, New Zealand and Bangladesh are set to clash at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. New Zealand, coming off a convincing 60-run win over Pakistan, won the toss and opted to bowl first. They made two changes, bringing in Kyle Jamieson and Rachin Ravindra for Nathan Smith and Daryl Mitchell. Bangladesh, after a heavy defeat against India, responded by including Mahmudullah Riyad and Nahid Rana, replacing Soumya Sarkar and Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
New Zealand Playing XI: Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William O’Rourke.
Bangladesh Playing XI: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Tanzid Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah Riyad, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana.
Santner expressed confidence in bowling first, citing favorable conditions under lights. Shanto, though preferring to bowl, believed batting first wouldn’t be an issue on the Rawalpindi track. Both captains highlighted the importance of middle-order contributions and early breakthroughs.
With New Zealand eyeing a semifinal spot and Bangladesh fighting for survival, the match promises high stakes. The return of Rachin Ravindra and Mahmudullah adds further intrigue, making this encounter crucial for the tournament’s progression.