New Zealand aim for semi-finals; Bangladesh aim to stay alive

New Zealand are in their element. They entered the Champions Trophy after winning the tri-series title without losing to South Africa or Pakistan, whom they defeated convincingly in the tournament's opening match. Will Young and Tom Latham struck centuries to set up a 300-plus score before Matt Henry and Will O'Rourke stifled Pakistan in the powerplay. Their three spinners tightened the grip with impactful spells and the contest fizzled out early in the chase. A well-drilled unit gave a performance that was close to perfect.

After losing several frontline bowlers to injuries prior to the tournament, India's and their place in the semi-final will be confirmed by another victory in Rawalpindi against familiar opponents Bangladesh. In the past few years, Bangladesh's ODI team has lost its edge. Their top order includes Soumya Sarkar and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, both of whom bagged ducks as they slumped to 35 for 5 against India. If Rohit Sharma hadn't dropped Jaker Ali, who scored 68, from the first ball, they might not have reached 228. RELATED

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Latham, Young hit hundreds on Champions Trophy debut

Towhid Hridoy made his maiden ODI century but suffered from cramps at the end of his innings. Fortunately for him, Rawalpindi will be cooler than Dubai. Bangladesh will also be buoyed by the news that their senior batter Mahmudullah is likely to play against New Zealand after missing out against India with a hamstring niggle.

Bangladesh's bowling was steady against India but they need more from the likes of Taskin Ahmed, Rishad Hossain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. They could also use more firepower from their fastest bowler, Nahid Rana. Bangladesh may benefit from the surprise factor in a match they must win to maintain their Champions Trophy campaign because New Zealand has never played him before. Towhid Hridoy battled cramps on his way to a fighting knock, Bangladesh vs India, Champions Trophy, Dubai, February 20, 2025

During his hundred against India, Towhid Hridoy suffered from cramps•Associated Press The form guide Bangladesh: LLLLL (the five most recent ODIs played first) New Zealand: WWWWL

Glenn Phillips and Towhid Hridoy are in the spotlight. The impressive Towhid Hridoy had been waiting a long time for a century. He has not scored in 34 matches in more than two years. He was tested by a potent Indian attack but showed off his shots. He has the confidence to keep going now that he has scored a hundred, but Bangladesh will be hoping for more durability from him after he cramped up and struggled to make an impression toward the end of his innings in Dubai. Glenn Phillips is a lightning-fast cricket player. His catch to dismiss Mohammad Rizwan in Karachi, leaping high and to his left at backward point, is one of the moments of the tournament - an effort that would make the best goalkeepers feel envy. His fielding aside, Phillips' attacking batting down the order gives New Zealand acceleration towards the end of their innings. He can also keep wickets and is an effective offspinner. Is Phillips unable to accomplish anything? Team news: What if Mahmudullah and Ravindra are fit?

Two changes are expected for Bangladesh as they look to include Mahmudullah and Nahid. Who will they replace though?

Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Tohwid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, and Mustafizur Rahman are the probable players for Bangladesh. New Zealand rested Rachin Ravindra against Pakistan after he was struck on the forehead while fielding during the tri-series just before the Champions Trophy. Since then, Devon Conway has scored of 97, 48 and 10 as an opener while Young scored a hundred in the previous game. Who else does New Zealand leave out if they want to bring Ravindra back? Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (capt), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, and Will O'Rourke are the most likely New Zealand players. Rachin Ravindra was struck by the ball on his forehead, Pakistan vs New Zealand, Lahore, Pakistan tri-series, February 8, 2025

This time, there will be no industrial fans and outdoor heaters to dry the pitch, as was the case ahead of the last international match - a Test against England - at this venue. As long as the ball is brand-new and shiny, Rawalpindi is generally favorable for batting, with some assistance for fast bowlers. Monday's weather is expected to be cloudy and below 20 degrees Celsius after sunset. Facts and trivia: Bangladesh's opponents in ODIs most frequently Bangladesh beat New Zealand in their previous Champions Trophy meeting, in Cardiff in 2017. The head-to-head record in the competition thus stands at 1-1.

Since 2015, Bangladesh's most frequent ODI opponents have been New Zealand. With 17 victories and just three defeats in 21 matches, New Zealand has dominated the head-to-head. Young and Latham became the second New Zealand pair to score centuries in a single ICC ODI match, this time against Pakistan. The first pair was Ravindra and Conway, who hit hundreds against England in the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Jaker and Hridoy's 154-run partnership for the sixth wicket against India was a record stand for Bangladesh. The previous highest partnership for that wicket also involved Jaker, who had added 150 with Mahmudullah in Bangladesh's previous ODI, against West Indies in December 2024.

"Yeah, we've got a few plans for Bangladesh, but I think we obviously - we have to wait and see what the wicket does. If it's pretty flat, I'd guess that it's similar to what Karachi has been like for us to operate in. It's hitting that hard length for a long period of time and then we know they have some destructive players in their line-up as well."

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner

"(Preparation time) must be sufficient. That's what the tournament gives us. That is the method we employ. Yesterday was a good practice. The Islamabad Club ground has really good facilities. We had a good session. Today's session will be intense, and we will be prepared for tomorrow."

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New Zealand aim for semi-finals; Bangladesh aim to stay alive