New Zealand come into this match, knowing well that a victory might not guarantee them a place in the semi-finals.
The Kiwis not only need to get the better of Bangladesh but also have to hope that Australia don’t beat England in the other Group A fixture.
Skipper Kane Williamson has been the star player for New Zealand in the Champions Trophy so far, scoring 100 and 87 in his two innings. But the Blackcaps will need other players to step up and provide more support for Williamson as they look to stay alive in the tournament.
Rain continues to fall in Cardif on the eve of our final #CT17 group match v Bangladesh. Hopefully will clear late 2morro morn ☔️✌️️#NZvBAN pic.twitter.com/qiwlgzmy5g
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 8, 2017
Bangladesh are in a similar situation as they need results in both the remaining group fixtures to go in their favour. With a higher net run-rate than New Zealand, they are in a slightly better position than the Kiwis though.
A no result in this match could still see Bangladesh make it into the final four if England beat Australia by a sizeable margin.
The most impressive part of Bangladesh’s Champions Trophy campaign has been the form of Tamim Iqbal. The left-handed opening batsman is currently the top run-scorer in the tournament, with 223 runs in two innings.
Snaps of Bangladesh team practice at Cardiff, Wales. Bangladesh will play their final match of group stage against New Zealand on Friday. pic.twitter.com/dahhrA5oow
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) June 7, 2017
Date: June 9, 2017 (Friday)
Time: 13:30 GST, 10:30 local, 09:30 GMT, 15:00 IST, 14:30 PKT
Venue: Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
TV: UAE – OSN Sports Cricket HD
Full coverage on Sport360.com.
PROBABLE NEW ZEALAND XI: Guptill, Ronchi (wk), Williamson (c), Taylor, Broom, Anderson, Neesham, Santner, Milne, Southee, Boult.
PROBABLE BANGLADESH XI: Tamim, Sarkar, Kayes, Mushfiqur (wk), Shakib, Sabbir, Mahmudullah, Mehedi, Mortaza (c), Rubel, Mustafizur.
SPORT360 MATCH PREDICTION: New Zealand go into the match as slight favourites, but they will need to be at their best to get the better of a relentless Bangladesh side.
