Pakistan and Bangladesh will face off in their final group-stage match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Thursday, February 27, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Both teams have already been eliminated from the semi-final race after suffering two consecutive defeats. With nothing but pride at stake, they will look to end their campaign on a high note.
Match Details:
- Fixture: Pakistan vs. Bangladesh, Match 9, Group A
- Date & Time: Thursday, February 27, 2025, 2:30 PM IST (9:00 AM GMT)
- Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
- Live Broadcast & Streaming: Star Sports Network; live streaming on JioHotstar app and website
Team Overviews
Pakistan:
The defending champions have struggled in this tournament, losing to both New Zealand and India. Despite playing at home, Mohammad Rizwan’s side has failed to perform consistently with the bat and ball. Key players like Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq have not delivered impactful performances, and the team will be desperate to regain some pride in their final group-stage match.
Bangladesh:
Bangladesh has also had a disappointing campaign, losing to India and New Zealand. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s side has shown flashes of brilliance but has failed to secure a victory. This match presents a chance for them to salvage something from the tournament and finish on a winning note.
Key Players to Watch
Pakistan:
- Babar Azam – Despite a poor run in the tournament, Babar remains Pakistan’s most crucial batter. He will be eager to make an impact.
- Shaheen Afridi – Pakistan’s premier fast bowler will look to trouble Bangladesh’s batting lineup with early breakthroughs.
Bangladesh:
- Taskin Ahmed – The fast bowler has impressed with his pace and movement. He will be key for Bangladesh in restricting Pakistan’s batting.
- Mushfiqur Rahim – The experienced wicketkeeper-batter will play a vital role in stabilizing the innings for Bangladesh.
Head-to-Head Record
- Overall ODIs: Out of 39 encounters, Pakistan has won 34 times, while Bangladesh has won 5.
- In Rawalpindi: The teams have met once at this venue, with Pakistan emerging victorious.
Probable Playing XIs
Pakistan:
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Babar Azam
- Saud Shakeel
- Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk)
- Salman Agha
- Faheem Ashraf
- Khushdil Shah
- Shaheen Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Haris Rauf
- Abrar Ahmed
Bangladesh:
- Soumya Sarkar
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (c)
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Towhid Hridoy
- Mushfiqur Rahim (wk)
- Mahmudullah
- Jaker Ali
- Rishad Hossain
- Taskin Ahmed
- Nahid Rana
- Mustafizur Rahman
Pitch Report
The Rawalpindi pitch has offered a balance between bat and ball. Early on, bowlers tend to get assistance due to the sticky surface, but as the game progresses, batting conditions improve. Teams winning the toss might prefer to bowl first to take advantage of the early movement.
Live Streaming
India:
- TV Channel: Sony Pictures Network (Specific channel to be announced)
- Live Streaming: SonyLIV app and website
Pakistan:
-
- TV Channel: Asports
- Live Streaming: Tamasha App, Tapmad
Weather Forecast
The weather in Rawalpindi is expected to be cloudy, with a high of 20°C and a chance of light showers in the afternoon. Rain interruptions could influence the game, making the Duckworth-Lewis method a potential factor.
Match Prediction
Both teams have struggled, making this an unpredictable contest. Pakistan’s home advantage and stronger overall record give them an edge, but if Bangladesh’s key players deliver, they could challenge Pakistan strongly. The team that handles pressure better and capitalizes on key moments is likely to win.
