The sixth match of the Champions Trophy is just around the corner, with Bangladesh set to take on New Zealand at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This match is crucial not just for these two teams, but also for Pakistan, who are keenly watching the proceedings. If Bangladesh loses, Pakistan’s hopes of making it to the semi-finals will be all but over.
As things stand, Pakistan is rooting for Bangladesh to win. However, New Zealand is a formidable opponent, having convincingly beaten Pakistan by 60 runs in their last outing. While New Zealand’s chances of winning look strong, it’s unwise to count Bangladesh out just yet. After all, the last time these two teams met, Bangladesh emerged victorious. In fact, when they clashed in the Champions Trophy, Bangladesh again came out on top.
The 2017 Champions Trophy saw a major upset when Bangladesh faced off against New Zealand. Bangladesh successfully chased down New Zealand’s target of 266 with 16 balls to spare, thanks in large part to Shakib Al Hasan’s stellar performance, where he scored 114 runs. Bangladesh has a history of pulling off surprise wins against bigger teams, making them a force to be reckoned with.
Looking back at their previous encounter in December 2023, Bangladesh secured a resounding 9-wicket win over New Zealand. This recent victory will undoubtedly give Bangladesh a confidence boost heading into their match today.
A closer look at the head-to-head statistics, however, paints a different picture. Out of the 45 ODIs played between Bangladesh and New Zealand, Bangladesh has won 11 times, while New Zealand has come out on top 33 times. Despite these numbers, Bangladesh’s recent form and past upsets against New Zealand mean they cannot be underestimated.
Recent Form and Past Encounters
Bangladesh’s ability to cause upsets, especially in major tournaments like the Champions Trophy, makes this match intriguing. While New Zealand’s overall record against Bangladesh is impressive, recent matches suggest that Bangladesh is becoming a more formidable opponent.
Key Players to Watch
Players like Shakib Al Hasan will be crucial for Bangladesh, given their past performances against New Zealand. For New Zealand, containing such players and capitalizing on their own strengths will be key to securing a win. The outcome of this match is far from certain, making it a must-watch for cricket fans and a pivotal moment in the Champions Trophy.