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The group stage of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is approaching its final phase, with India and New Zealand securing their spots in the semifinals. The last Group A match will see Pakistan take on Bangladesh at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on February 27 at 2:30 PM.
With Pakistan already eliminated, they will aim to end their campaign on a high note, while Bangladesh seeks redemption after a string of poor performances. Pakistan suffered a heartbreaking loss against India, failing to defend 241 runs, with Saud Shakeel’s 62 being the only positive. Bangladesh also struggled against New Zealand, losing by 5 wickets despite Najmul Hossain Shanto’s 77.
Both teams last met in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, where Pakistan clinched a comfortable 6-wicket victory as Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafiq dominated the chase. With both sides struggling for form, this encounter provides an opportunity to salvage pride.
Match Details
| Match | Pakistan vs Bangladesh – ICC Champions Trophy 2025 |
|---|---|
| Date | February 27, 2025 |
| Time | 2:30 PM (Local Time) |
| Venue | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi |
| Format | One Day International (ODI) |
Pakistan Preview
Pakistan’s campaign has been disappointing, with back-to-back losses sealing their fate. The batting unit has been inconsistent, and the bowlers have struggled to make an impact.
Batting Unit
- Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq will open the innings, with Babar being the team’s top scorer in the last two years. He has scored 1293 runs in 32 matches at an average of 44, but his record against Bangladesh remains underwhelming.
- Saud Shakeel has shown promise at No. 3, and after a well-crafted 62 against India, he will look to play another crucial knock.
- Mohammad Rizwan will lead from the middle order, being Pakistan’s most consistent batter in ODIs since 2023.
- Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, and Khushdil Shah add depth, with Khushdil scoring 107 runs in the tournament so far.
Bowling Unit
- Shaheen Shah Afridi remains the leader of the attack, with 65 wickets in the last two years, but his economy has been a concern.
- Haris Rauf will provide support, having six wickets in two matches against Bangladesh.
- Abrar Ahmed and Naseem Shah will look to create pressure with their variations.
Pakistan Predicted Playing XI
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Fakhar Zaman | Batter |
| Babar Azam | Batter |
| Saud Shakeel | Batter |
| Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk) | Batter/Wicketkeeper |
| Salman Agha | All-rounder |
| Tayyab Tahir | Batter |
| Khushdil Shah | All-rounder |
| Shaheen Afridi | Bowler |
| Naseem Shah | Bowler |
| Haris Rauf | Bowler |
| Abrar Ahmed | Bowler |
Bangladesh Preview
Bangladesh enters this contest in poor form, losing 11 of their last 15 ODIs. The batting lineup has shown flashes of brilliance, but the bowling attack has lacked penetration.
Batting Unit
- Najmul Hossain Shanto has been the team’s best batter, scoring 414 runs in 8 ODIs at an average of 59.
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz might play at No. 3, having contributed 323 runs in his last 10 ODIs.
- Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudullah will be key in the middle order, with Hridoy scoring a century against India in this tournament.
- Jaker Ali has been a standout performer, averaging 52 in his last 7 games.
Bowling Unit
- Taskin Ahmed leads the attack, having picked up 16 wickets in his last 9 matches.
- Mustafizur Rahman remains a threat, having taken 10 wickets in four matches last year.
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz will be vital in the middle overs, with his ability to control the run flow.
Bangladesh Predicted Playing XI
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Tanzid Hasan | Batter |
| Najmul Hossain Shanto (c) | Batter |
| Mehidy Hasan Miraz | All-rounder |
| Towhid Hridoy | Batter |
| Mushfiqur Rahim (wk) | Wicketkeeper |
| Mahmudullah | All-rounder |
| Jaker Ali | Batter |
| Rishad Hossain | Bowler |
| Taskin Ahmed | Bowler |
| Nahid Rana | Bowler |
| Mustafizur Rahman | Bowler |
Fantasy Team XI
| Position | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Batter | Babar Azam | Pakistan |
| Batter | Najmul Hossain Shanto | Bangladesh |
| Batter | Saud Shakeel | Pakistan |
| Wicketkeeper | Mohammad Rizwan | Pakistan |
| Wicketkeeper | Mushfiqur Rahim | Bangladesh |
| All-rounder | Mehidy Hasan Miraz | Bangladesh |
| All-rounder | Mahmudullah | Bangladesh |
| Bowler | Shaheen Shah Afridi | Pakistan |
| Bowler | Mustafizur Rahman | Bangladesh |
| Bowler | Taskin Ahmed | Bangladesh |
| Bowler | Haris Rauf | Pakistan |
Pitch & Weather Report
Weather Conditions
- Cloudy conditions are expected in Rawalpindi, with temperatures ranging from 12-19°C.
- Rain is likely, which might impact play.
- The pitch will assist bowlers early, but batting will get easier as the match progresses.
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium – Pitch Report
- The pitch is known for being balanced, favoring both pacers and spinners.
- The average first-innings score is 242, making batting first slightly challenging.
- Pacers will benefit from bounce, while spinners can extract turn as the game progresses.
Toss Prediction
- Teams batting second have won 15 out of 27 ODIs here.
- The team winning the toss is likely to bowl first due to the expected dew factor in the second innings.
PAK vs BAN – Winning Prediction
Both teams have struggled in recent ODIs, but Pakistan holds the upper hand with home advantage and a stronger bowling unit. Bangladesh’s biggest challenge will be containing Pakistan’s top-order while also dealing with Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf’s pace attack.
Prediction: Pakistan to win
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