Bangladesh Returns to Rawalpindi with Hopes of Bouncing Back Against New Zealand

Last year, Bangladesh made history in Rawalpindi by whitewashing the host Pakistan in a Test series. Now, the Tigers return to the familiar Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium for a different format – the ICC mega tournament, with New Zealand as their opponent. Despite the change in format, Bangladesh will look to draw inspiration from their victorious Test series in 2024 as they prepare for the upcoming clash.

After a 6-wicket defeat to India in their opening match in Dubai, Bangladesh has faced significant criticism. Can they rise to the occasion and respond to the pressure? A fragile Bangladesh side could turn dangerous in this encounter against New Zealand. Their memories of success in Rawalpindi are still fresh from last year, and although the format is different, the familiarity of the ground should bring them some comfort. In 2024, they humiliated Pakistan with a whitewash in the Test format at the same venue.

New Zealand, having spent almost a month in Pakistan, is well-acquainted with the conditions, which have become second nature to them. However, Bangladesh will need to adapt to the conditions with a challenge ahead of them. New Zealand enters this match as the favorites, having won the Tri-Nation Series and defeated Pakistan in the opening match of the Champions Trophy. After two days of intense practice, Bangladesh is ready to halt the momentum of the flying Kiwis.

A Repeat of the 2017 Champions Trophy or a Revenge Story for New Zealand?

The last Champions Trophy was held in 2017 in England. In Cardiff, Bangladesh stunned everyone by defeating New Zealand and reaching the semifinals. However, they lost to India in that semifinal. Now, 8 years later, Bangladesh faces New Zealand once again in a crucial encounter. For New Zealand, this match represents a chance for revenge for their loss in the 2017 tournament.

To advance to the semifinals of the 2025 Champions Trophy, Bangladesh must win both of their remaining group-stage matches. The upcoming game against New Zealand is critical – a victory is the only way to keep their hopes of reaching the semifinals alive in the tournament.