Pakistan
Bangladesh
Pakistan and Bangladesh will clash in Match 9 of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Thursday, February 27, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. With both teams already out of the semi-final race, this fixture serves as a mere formality, but pride will still be at stake.
Pakistan, the tournament hosts, have endured a forgettable campaign, suffering consecutive losses to New Zealand and India. They will now be desperate to secure their first win in front of their home crowd. Meanwhile, Bangladesh will also look to salvage some positives after failing to progress further.
The last time these two sides met in an ICC event was during the 2023 ODI World Cup, where Pakistan secured a comfortable six-wicket victory. Shaheen Shah Afridi's three-wicket haul restricted Bangladesh to 204, with Mahmudullah being the lone fighter with a half-century. In response, Abdullah Shafiq and Fakhar Zaman's solid opening stand helped Pakistan chase down the target with ease.
With nothing but pride on the line, both teams will aim to finish their campaign on a high note in Rawalpindi.
Shaheen Afridi is likely to exploit Bangladesh’s batting struggles with the new ball.
The betting tip is...
Top Wicket-Taker: Shaheen Afridi
69 %
31 %
With their semi-final hopes already dashed, Pakistan will look to make a few changes in their lineup for their final group-stage clash. Fakhar Zaman might come in and open the innings with Babar Azam. Saud Shakeel, who showed promise with a 62-run knock against India, will take the crucial number three spot.
The middle order will feature captain Mohammad Rizwan, alongside Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, and Khushdil Shah. Rizwan has been Pakistan’s top performer with the bat in the last two years. Salman Agha has been in excellent touch, boasting an average of 60 and a strike rate of 105 in his last 10 ODIs. Khushdil has been among the runs in this tournament, scoring 107 across two games.
Pakistan's bowling unit has struggled in the competition, managing just nine wickets in two matches. Shaheen Shah Afridi remains the key bowler. Haris Rauf, another potent threat, holds a strong record against Bangladesh, picking up six wickets in two games. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed is expected to feature in the XI as well.
We are expecting a few changes in the Playing XI as it's a dead rubber.
Predicted Lineup: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
Bangladesh has struggled in limited-overs cricket recently, enduring a tough run of form. With just one game left in their Champions Trophy campaign, the team will be relying on key players like Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Taskin Ahmed to step up. Shanto is expected to open alongside Tanzid Hasan, having been one of their most consistent batters in recent ODIs. If Soumya Sarkar is unavailable, Miraz could slot in at number three, bringing stability to the top order.
The middle order will see Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, and Jaker Ali take charge. Hridoy has been a standout performer, already proving his ability with a century against India in this tournament. Mushfiqur has been a dependable presence, while Mahmudullah remains one of the most experienced batters in the squad. Jaker Ali, who has been among the most consistent run-scorers in recent matches, will be a crucial factor in Bangladesh’s batting lineup.
In the bowling department, Taskin Ahmed will lead the attack, supported by Mustafizur Rahman and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Taskin has been Bangladesh’s top wicket-taker in recent months and will look to continue his form. Mustafizur has a strong record against Pakistan and will be the key bowler to watch, given his ability to strike early.
Bangladesh will be going with the strongest XI.
Predicted Lineup: Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman.
With both teams already eliminated, this game is all about pride. Pakistan, despite a poor campaign, have a home advantage and a stronger squad on paper. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan will be key with the bat, while Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf could trouble Bangladesh’s shaky batting lineup.
Bangladesh’s hopes rest on Najmul Hossain Shanto and Towhid Hridoy for runs, but their bowling attack lacks the firepower to consistently trouble Pakistan’s batters. Mustafizur Rahman could make an impact, but Pakistan’s experience gives them the edge.
