Champions Trophy 2025: 6th ODI, Bangladesh vs New Zealand - Stats & Records at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Former champions New Zealand face Bangladesh

New Zealand (NZ) will take on Bangladesh (BAN) in Match 6 of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, to be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, in Rawalpindi, on Monday, February 24. The Kiwis, led by Mitchell Santner, are riding high after their convincing win over Pakistan in the tournament opener. A victory in this game could all but confirm their semifinal spot.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, finds itself in a must-win situation. Najmul Hossain Shanto and his team suffered a six-wicket defeat against India in their opening match, making this contest crucial for their survival.

Bangladesh's performance so far

Bangladesh’s ODI struggles continued in the competition as they suffered a disappointing defeat against India. Their top order collapsed to 35/5, with Soumya Sarkar and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto falling for ducks. A crucial 68 from Jaker Ali, thanks to a dropped catch, helped them post a respectable total. Though he struggled with cramps, Towhid Hridoy’s maiden ODI century was another positive.

Their bowling was above average but lacked firepower, with Taskin Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz failing to step up. Nahid Rana’s pace could be a game-changer against New Zealand. With Mahmudullah set to return, Bangladesh must deliver a better performance to stay in the tournament and deny New Zealand a semifinal spot.

New Zealand's promising form continues

New Zealand’s solid form in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 continues as they build on their winning momentum. Having dominated the tri-series against South Africa and Pakistan, the Blackcaps delivered another clinical performance in their tournament opener.

Will Young and Tom Latham’s centuries guided them to a strong total of 300-plus before Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke dismantled Pakistan’s top order. Their spin trio then did further damage, ensuring an easy 60-run win. Now, with Bangladesh up next in Rawalpindi, another victory would confirm their semi-final spot, along with India’s. It will be a remarkable feat for the team as they entered the tournament without several frontline bowlers due to injuries. 

ODI Stats and Records at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Top player battles to watch out for in Bangladesh vs New Zealand:

Mitchell Santner vs Mushfiqur Rahim

Bangladesh’s most experienced player Mushfiqur Rahim has delivered consistently in ODIs against New Zealand. He is leading the run-scoring charts among active players, with 792 runs in 32 innings at an average of 27.31. On the other hand, Mitchell Santner, the current New Zealand captain, has been a crucial factor in Bangladesh-New Zealand ODIs. He has taken 15 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 33.26. Against Santner, Rahim has managed 46 runs off 71 balls while being dismissed once, maintaining a strike rate of 64.8. While the battle has been fairly even, Santner’s ability to keep Rahim quiet could play a crucial role in future encounters. 

Mustafizur Rahman vs Kane Williamson

Bangladesh’s premier pacer, Mustafizur Rahman, has had decent success against New Zealand, taking 22 wickets in 17 matches. However, one key battle which fans and experts alike will be eager to see will be the battle between Rahman and the legendary batter, Kane Williamson. The Kiwi batter has faced 85 balls from Mustafizur without losing his wicket, scoring 54 runs at a strike rate of 63.52. Despite Williamson’s overall brilliance in world cricket, his start to the Champions Trophy 2025 has been far from ideal. As the tournament progresses, Bangladesh will hope that Mustafizur can finally get the better of him.