PAK vs BAN: We are down to the final Group A match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where Pakistan takes on Bangladesh at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. India and New Zealand already sealing semifinal spots, this match carries no impact on the tournament’s outcome, but both teams will be eager to end their campaign on a high.

Pakistan entered the tournament with high expectations, but injuries and inconsistent performances have derailed their campaign. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has shown glimpses of resilience, but their batting struggles have held them back. With pride on the line, both teams will be looking for a winning finish to their tournament.

Match Details

• Match: Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Match 9
• Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
• Date & Time: Thursday, 27th February, 14:30 IST
• Series: ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Head-to-Head Record

Pakistan has dominated Bangladesh in ODIs, winning 34 of their 39 encounters. Bangladesh, however, has managed to pull off some notable upsets in the past and will look to add another win to their tally.

Last 5 Meetings

• 31-Oct-2023: Pakistan won by 7 wickets (105 balls remaining)
• 06-Sep-2023: Pakistan won by 7 wickets (63 balls remaining)
• 05-Jul-2019: Pakistan won by 94 runs
• 26-Sep-2018: Bangladesh won by 37 runs
• 22-Apr-2015: Bangladesh won by 8 wickets (63 balls remaining)

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pitch Report

The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, established in 1992, has been a prominent venue for One Day Internationals (ODIs), hosting 26 matches to date. The pitch offers a balanced contest between bat and ball, with early assistance for seamers and increasing support for spinners as the game progresses. Dew can play a role in evening matches, often making chasing a favorable option.

Pitch Characteristics:

• Early Overs: Fast bowlers find movement, making batting challenging during the powerplay.
• Middle Overs: The surface settles, allowing batters to play more freely. Spinners gain traction as the innings advances.
• Dew Factor: Evening matches may experience dew, reducing grip for spinners and aiding batters in chases.

ODI Statistics at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium:

• Average First Innings Score: 242
• Matches Won Batting First: 11
• Matches Won Chasing: 14
• Highest Team Total: 337/3 by Pakistan against New Zealand on April 29, 2023
• Lowest Team Total: 104 all out by Zimbabwe against Sri Lanka in 2004
• Highest Successful Run Chase: 337/3 by Pakistan against New Zealand in 2023
• Lowest Total Defended: 206/9 by England against Pakistan in 2005

1st vs. 2nd Innings Comparison (Last 10 ODIs):

Notable Records at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium:

• Highest Individual Score: 188* by Gary Kirsten for South Africa against the United Arab Emirates on February 16, 1996
• Best Bowling Figures: 6/20 by Waqar Younis for Pakistan against England on December 7, 2005

Tactical Considerations:

• Toss Factor: Teams winning the toss often prefer to chase, considering potential dew and the pitch’s behavior under lights.
• Competitive Total: A first-innings score of 270+ is deemed competitive, with 280+ putting pressure on the chasing side.
• Bowling Impact: Fast bowlers are effective in early overs, while spinners play a crucial role during the middle overs.

The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium offers an engaging environment for ODIs, demanding strategic acumen from teams to adapt to its dynamic conditions.

PAK vs BAN Lineups

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.

Probable Best Players – Pakistan vs Bangladesh

Pakistan

• Best Batter: Mohammad Rizwan – The captain and wicketkeeper-batter has been Pakistan’s most reliable performer in recent times. His ability to absorb pressure and anchor chases makes him a key player in this clash.
• Best Bowler: Shaheen Afridi – Pakistan’s pace spearhead will be crucial with the new ball, especially against Bangladesh’s top order, which has struggled against high-quality fast bowling.

Bangladesh

• Best Batter: Najmul Hossain Shanto – The skipper has led from the front and will be responsible for providing stability and guiding Bangladesh’s innings against Pakistan’s pace attack.
• Best Bowler: Taskin Ahmed – With his raw pace and ability to strike early, Taskin will be Bangladesh’s biggest weapon in restricting Pakistan’s batting lineup.

PAK vs BAN Prediction – ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Match 9

Scenario 1: Pakistan Batting First

• Projected Score: 260-280 runs
• Reasoning: Pakistan’s batting has struggled in the tournament, but with Mohammad Rizwan leading from the front, they will aim for a strong total. Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam will need to handle the swing of Taskin Ahmed early on. Bangladesh’s spin duo of Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Rishad Hossain could make scoring difficult in the middle overs. If Pakistan crosses 270, their bowling attack, led by Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, can put Bangladesh under serious pressure.

Scenario 2: Bangladesh Batting First

• Projected Score: 240-260 runs
• Reasoning: Bangladesh’s batting has been inconsistent, but Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim will be key in tackling Pakistan’s fast-bowling trio. Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman will have to step up in restricting Pakistan’s chase. If Bangladesh can get past 250, their bowlers might have a chance to make it a competitive game, but anything below that will put them in trouble against Pakistan’s superior attack.

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