BAN vs NZ: Top 3 Player Battles to Watch Out for in Champions Trophy 2025

After achieving contrasting results in their respective campaign openers against India and Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand are set to take on each other in the sixth game of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The game will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai tomorrow, February 24, at 2:30 PM (IST).

Bangladesh lost to India by 6 wickets in their campaign opener and are placed in the third spot on the Group A points table. On the other hand, the Blackcaps defeated the hosts and defending champions Pakistan by 60 runs in their first match. Now, both teams will eye winning this match and strengthen or keep their chances alive for the semi-finals.

Having said that, here we’ll look at the 3 player battles to watch out for in the upcoming Bangladesh vs New Zealand, the sixth game of the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025.

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: SWOT Analysis of New Zealand—Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats

Here are 3 player battles to watch out for in Bangladesh vs New Zealand – Champions Trophy 2025

Tanzid Hasan vs Matt Henry

Star Bangladesh opener Tanzid looked in good touch in the game against India, scoring 25 runs off 25 balls, with 4 fours. But he failed to capitalise on this start. He will look ahead to make a strong comeback with a good knock in the upcoming game against New Zealand. Tanzid is capable of providing a crucial and quick start to Bangladesh in the initial phase of the innings.

However, the Southpaw might get a tough time from the veteran New Zealand pacer Matt Henry, who bowled a sensational spell with the ball in the last game against Pakistan. He scalped 2 wickets at just 25 runs, including a maiden over in his 7.2 overs. So, it will be an interesting player battle between Tanzid Hasan and Matt Henry to watch out for in the Bangladesh vs. New Zealand clash.

Will Young vs Taskin Ahmed

Star New Zealand opener Will Young was one of the top performers with the bat for his side in the last game against Pakistan. He scored a match-winning century knock, hitting 107 runs off 113 balls, with 12 fours and a six. His partnership of 117 runs for the fourth wicket with Tom Latham also played a great role in New Zealand’s win. 

To tackle Will Young in the powerplay phase of the innings, Bangladesh might think of introducing Taskin Ahmed into the attack. Taskin bowled one of the most economical spells amidst a defeat for his side against India. 
He conceded only 36 runs in his 9 overs and scalped a wicket, with a decent economy rate of 4.00. So, Taskin might produce a great battle while bowling to Will Young with the new ball during the powerplay overs.

Tom Latham vs Mustafizur Rahman

New Zealand’s Test skipper and veteran wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham also displayed his importance for his side in the ODI while playing against Pakistan in the last game. Latham scored a match-winning century for his side, hitting 118 runs off just 104 balls, with 10 fours and three sixes. He also won the ‘Player of the Match’ award for his decisive century. 

Latham is expected to get a bit of a challenge from the experienced Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman in the upcoming clash. Rahman could tackle Latham with his experience of bowling on the subcontinent wickets. Given that, it will be a tough battle between two veterans of the game.

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: SWOT analysis of Bangladesh cricket team