BAN vs NZ Match Prediction & Analysis

One of the joys of an ICC Champions Trophy tournament is that things move very quickly. Even in the group stage, lose once, and your place in the semi-finals is immediately in danger—lose twice, and you may as well hail a taxi straight to the airport!

That's the situation Bangladesh are hoping to avoid after their six-wicket loss to tournament favorites India on Thursday. But this will be a very tough clash for them against the in-form Black Caps. And if Bangladesh do lose, it could mean that their final group stage match against Pakistan becomes something of a dead rubber.

New Zealand have been brilliant since arriving in Pakistan earlier this month and have won all four games in the country, all against arguably better sides than Bangladesh.

There is plenty to play for when these teams meet in Rawalpindi on Monday!

TEAMS PREVIEW

Bangladesh Preview

After finding themselves 35/5 inside nine overs in their opening game against India, Bangladesh could have been forgiven for throwing the towel in and getting the game over and done with at the earliest opportunity. But instead, they showed admirable tenacity and resolve to rebuild the innings and posted 228 all out, which kept them in the game.

Crucial to the rebuild were Towhid Hridoy (100 runs from 118 balls) and Jaker Ali (68 runs from 114 balls), but in this game against New Zealand, the Tigers need the top four of Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz to step up. Crucially, the latter three have all done it on the big stage before, so there is some hope!

With the ball, spinners Richad Hossain and Miraz were both treated with respect by the Indian batters, and they should be a threat again in this fixture. As will the pacers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, both of whom have the ability to knock over the best in the world.

New Zealand Preview

The greatest surprise from New Zealand's convincing victory over hosts and reigning champions Pakistan in Karachi on Wednesday was that anyone was in anyway surprised! The Black Caps not only regularly turn up at these marquee ICC events but have also been playing excellent cricket while winning all their games since arriving in Pakistan at the start of the month.

A problem for all teams against Mitchell Santner's side is that all of their batters have now made big scores over the duration of this tour. And if that wasn't a problem, Rachin Ravindra will soon be fit to push his claims in the batting lineup as well. Will Young and Tom Latham both come into this match after hitting centuries on Wednesday.

Matt Henry continues to be one of the most consistently top-performing pace bowlers in world cricket, and Will O'Rourke is not far behind with his bounce-causing particular issues. New Zealand also has excellent spin options in Michael Bracewell and captain Santner!

Weather Conditions

The forecast is for a cloudy day throughout Monday in Rawalpindi, with the temperature beginning at 18 degrees. It may get up to 23 at some stage before dipping back down to around 18 by the close.

BAN vs NZ Pitch Report

Toss: To Bowl

Although this will be the first ODI in Rawalpindi for nearly two years, four of the last five have been won by the team chasing. Therefore, our prediction is that both captains will be looking to bowl first on Monday.

Match Prediction:

While New Zealand has a talented squad, Bangladesh has an experienced lineup, and their balance of pace and spin bowlers make them the favorites to win this match. We expect New Zealand to come out on top.