United News of Bangladesh

The ninth edition of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy tournament kicked off on Wednesday. Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates are hosting the tournament from February 19 to March 9, 2025. The defending champion is Pakistan.  Fixtures and Schedules of the 2025 Men’s ICC Champions Trophy Table: Full Fixtures of ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Match No Teams Venue Date Time (BDT) 1 Pakistan v New Zealand National Stadium, Karachi 19 Feb 3.0 PM  2 Bangladesh v India Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai 20 Feb 3.0 PM  3 Afghanistan v South Africa National Stadium, Karachi 21 Feb 3.0 PM  4 Australia v England Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 22 Feb 3.0 PM  5 Pakistan v India Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai 23 Feb 3.0 PM  6 Bangladesh v New Zealand Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi 24 Feb 3.0 PM  7 Australia v South Africa Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi 25 Feb 3.0 PM 8 Afghanistan v England Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 26 Feb 3.0 PM 9 Pakistan v Bangladesh Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi 27 Feb 3.0 PM  10 Afghanistan v Australia Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 28 Feb 3.0 PM  11 South Africa v England National Stadium, Karachi 1 Mar 3.0 PM  12 New Zealand v India Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai 2 Mar 3.0 PM  13 Semi-final 1 Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai 4 Mar 3.0 PM  14 Semi-final 2 Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 5 Mar 3.0 PM  15 Final Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 9 Mar 3.0 PM  Read more: Big blow for Pakistan as Fakhar out of Champions Trophy ahead of India match Teams and Groups The top eight ranked men's national teams that qualified for the 2023 Cricket World Cup will compete in the 2025 ICC Men’s Champions Trophy tournament. Group A - Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh Group B - South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, England Venues of ICC Champions Trophy 2025  India will play in Dubai, while Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi will host the matches. - National Stadium, Karachi.- Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.- Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi.- Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. Read more: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Bangladesh in trouble  losing 5 wickets quickly  vs India Prize Money The ICC allocated a pool of US$6.9 million in prize money for the tournament, a 53 percent increase from the previous edition. The winners would receive the grand prize of $2.24 million, with each team receiving an additional $125,000 for participating. Table: Prize Money of ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Place Teams Amount Per team Total Champions 1 $2.24 million $2.24 million Runners-up 1 $1.12 million $1.12 million Semi-finalists 2 $560,000 $1.12 million 5th–6th place (Group stage) 2 $350,000 $700,000 7th–8th place (Group stage) 2 $140,000 $280,000 Participants 8 $125,000 $1 million Total 8 $6.9 million Read more: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: New Zealand outclass Pakistan after Young, Latham hit centuries Bangladesh’s schedule for the Men’s ICC 2025 Champions Trophy Here is the full schedule for the Bangladesh cricket team at the 2025 ICC Men’s Champions Trophy: Table: Fixtures of Bangla Team ICC in the Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Match No Teams Venue Date Time (BDT) 2 Bangladesh v India Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai 20 Feb 3.0 PM  6 Bangladesh v New Zealand Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi 24 Feb 3.0 PM 9 Pakistan v Bangladesh Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi 27 Feb 3.0 PM  Bangladesh Squad for ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmud Ullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana. Read more: Three-decade wait ends as Pakistan hosts Champions Trophy

Bangladesh have won the toss and opted to bat first in their maiden match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against India. India entered the event as one of the favourites to win this year’s title. Bangladesh posed some strong challenges to India in recent years. But India has been a tough opponent for Bangladesh for many years. Bangladesh has only eight ODI wins against India. They have to put their best foot forward to beat India in this match in Dubai. ICC Champions Trophy 2025: New Zealand outclass Pakistan after Young, Latham hit centuries Bangladesh included three seamers— Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman— in the playing XI. They also have Rishad Hossain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz as spin-bowling options. The Tigers overlooked Mahmudullah Riyad for this match. Bangladesh XI: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali Anik, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, and Mustafizur Rahman. ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Young, Latham centuries propel New Zealand to 320 against Pakistan India XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammad Shami, and Kuldeep Yadav.

New Zealand beat the hosts Pakistan by 60 runs in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Karachi. Will Young and Tom Latham, New Zealand smashed centuries to guide New Zealand to 320, which Pakistan failed to chase down. While chasing, the hosts were tumbled for 260 in 47.2 overs. Khushdil Shah scored 69 off 49 balls, and Babar Azam scored 64 off 90 balls. But their efforts were not enough for Pakistan to avoid a defeat. Will O’Rourke and Mitchell Santner scalped three wickets each for New Zealand. Bowling first, Pakistan struck early, reducing New Zealand to 73 for 3 inside 17 overs. Naseem Shah removed Kane Williamson for just 1 after Abrar Ahmed had bowled Devon Conway for 10. Haris Rauf then dismissed Daryl Mitchell, putting the visitors under pressure. ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Young, Latham centuries propel New Zealand to 320 against Pakistan But, Young and Latham steadied the innings with a 118-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Young, composed at the crease, reached his century in 113 balls, hitting 12 fours and a six before he fell for 107, caught by substitute Faheem Ashraf off Naseem. Latham took charge from there, accelerating in the final overs. The left-hander smashed an unbeaten 118 off 104 balls, including 10 fours and three sixes, ensuring New Zealand capitalized on their platform. Glenn Phillips provided the finishing touch, hammering 61 off 39 deliveries with three fours and four sixes, before falling in the penultimate over. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the scoring in the latter half of the innings. Haris Rauf was expensive, conceding 83 runs in his 10 overs but managed to pick up two wickets. Naseem Shah was the most successful with 2 for 63, while Abrar Ahmed took 1 for 47. Shaheen Shah Afridi, expected to lead the attack, went wicketless, finishing with 0 for 68. With the Champions Trophy, an ICC event returned to Pakistan after so many years. But Pakistan failed to make the start of this event memorable.

Riding on the centuries of Will Young and Tom Latham, New Zealand posted a big total of 320 in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against Pakistan in Karachi. Bowling first, Pakistan struck early, reducing New Zealand to 73 for 3 inside 17 overs. Naseem Shah removed Kane Williamson for just 1 after Abrar Ahmed had bowled Devon Conway for 10. Haris Rauf then dismissed Daryl Mitchell, putting the visitors under pressure. But Young and Latham steadied the innings with a 118-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Young, composed at the crease, reached his century in 113 balls, hitting 12 fours and a six before he fell for 107, caught by substitute Faheem Ashraf off Naseem. Latham took charge from there, accelerating in the final overs. The left-hander smashed an unbeaten 118 off 104 balls, including 10 fours and three sixes, ensuring New Zealand capitalized on their platform. Pakistan wins toss and field against Kiwis in Champions Trophy opener Glenn Phillips provided the finishing touch, hammering 61 off 39 deliveries with three fours and four sixes, before falling in the penultimate over. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the scoring in the latter half of the innings. Haris Rauf was expensive, conceding 83 runs in his 10 overs but managed to pick up two wickets. Naseem Shah was the most successful with 2 for 63, while Abrar Ahmed took 1 for 47. Shaheen Shah Afridi, expected to lead the attack, went wicketless, finishing with 0 for 68. With a target of 321, Pakistan will need their top order to fire against a disciplined New Zealand bowling attack as they look to begin their campaign with a win.

Pakistan’s 29-year wait to host a major International Cricket Council tournament ended Wednesday when it won the toss and elected to field in the Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand. Pakistan is the defending champion after beating archrival India in the final when the Champions Trophy was last played in 2017. India will be playing all its group matches in the United Arab Emirates, including the marquee game of the group stage on Sunday against Pakistan, because its government didn’t allow the cricketers to travel to Pakistan. The 1996 World Cup, co-hosted with India and Sri Lanka, was the last time Pakistan staged a major ICC event. Bangladesh confident despite underdog status as India clash looms New Zealand is on a high and is quite familiar with the conditions at the newly upgraded Karachi stadium after winning the tri-nation series last week against Pakistan and South Africa. Despite losing two frontline fast bowlers, Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears, due to injuries, New Zealand has shaped up well for the Champions Trophy with all the top-order batters among runs. And the Black Caps spinners, led by Mitchell Santner's left-arm spin, have contained the opposition well in the middle overs. New Zealand also missed opening batter Rachin Ravindra for the opening game as the left-hander is still recovering from a blow on the forehead sustained during the tri-nation series opener at Lahore — one of the three cities hosting the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf, who missed the last two games of the tri-nation series because of a side strain, passed a fitness test and was recalled in place of allrounder Faheem Ashraf. New Zealand, which won the inaugural edition of the tournament in 1998, has won all its previous three Champions Trophy games against Pakistan in 2000, 2006 and 2009. Pakistan, New Zealand, Bangladesh and New Zealand are in Group A. Group B comprises England, South Africa, Australia and Afghanistan. Nahid brings pace and promise as Bangladesh ready for Champions Trophy Test The top two teams in each group will qualify for the semifinals. The final is scheduled for March 9. If India qualifies for the final it will be played at Dubai, otherwise Lahore will host the championship decider. Line-ups: New Zealand: Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke. Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

Bangladesh are all set to start their ICC Champions Trophy campaign on Thursday with the match against India in Dubai. The match will begin at 3:00 pm (Bangladesh time). Despite entering the event as underdogs, the Bangladesh captain said they were confident they could make the event memorable. Nahid brings pace and promise as Bangladesh ready for Champions Trophy Test While India holds a dominant record in ODIs against Bangladesh—winning 32 of their 41 encounters—the Tigers believe they have the firepower to challenge one of the tournament favourites. India won 32 of the 41 matches they played against Bangladesh. But Bangladesh captain believes they have the firepower to challenge India. The Bangladesh captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, said they were not concerned about their perceived lower standing. He rather said Bangladesh had the firepower to challenge a big team like India. “Our team is quite balanced, and we believe we can beat any team in this tournament,” Shanto said ahead of the match. He also added that he did not like to talk about opposition much. Instead, he said the team is focusing on their own performance. Bangladesh’s recent improvements in pace bowling have given them an added dimension, with Shanto particularly optimistic about the impact of fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana. “We always struggled with our seam attack, but over the last couple of years, we’ve got some quality fast bowlers,” he said. “Nahid and Taskin, the way they are bowling, help us a lot. As a captain, I love to see them bowling fast and delivering for the team.” New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson to miss the Champions Trophy with a foot injury Nahid, Bangladesh’s hero in their maiden Test series over Pakistan last year, can bowl consistently, clocking the speed of 150 km/h. He acknowledged the challenge of playing against India but said he was rather focused on executing his skills. “The team expected me to bowl fast and use me as an attacking option,” Rana said. “I just focus on executing my plan. If I feel good, I know the pace will be right.” India have always been a tough opponent for Bangladesh, particularly due to their strong batting lineup. While Bangladesh had eight ODI wins against India, their task will be formidable on Thursday. The conditions in Dubai could play a crucial role. Under lights, fast bowlers might find assistance, something that Bangladesh will look to capitalise on. Shanto noted that his team has prepared for all scenarios. Bangladesh humbled by Pakistan A ahead of Champions Trophy “We know how the challenge will come tomorrow,” he said. “We’ve had good practice sessions, and we have a plan in place.”

Nahid Rana’s rapid rise in Bangladesh cricket has given the team an edge it has rarely had in fast bowling. The pacer is expected to play a vital role in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which Bangladesh will begin with the big match against India on Thursday in Dubai. Nahid can bowl consistently with the speed clocking 150 km/h, and he has already made a notable impact in Bangladesh’s changing pace attack. Najmul Hossain Shanto, the captain of Bangladesh, said Nahid’s inclusion added a new dimension to Bangladesh’s bowling department. “He has bowled really well and bowled fast,” Shanto said ahead of the match. “When we see him bowling like this, it lifts the whole bowling unit. It motivates us to challenge the opposition in new ways.” New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson to miss the Champions Trophy with a foot injury Rana made his international debut less than a year ago but has already left a mark. In six Tests, he has taken 20 wickets, including a five-wicket haul against Sri Lanka. He has also featured in three ODIs, picking up four wickets at an economy rate of 4.72. His domestic numbers prove his potential, with 83 wickets in 21 first-class matches at an average of 25.44. When Bangladesh registered a historic Test series win in Pakistan last year, Nahid has taken the wickets of Babar Azam, Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel in the same spell. His bowling set the tone for Bangladesh. Bangladesh will return to Pakistan in this Champions Trophy too, for a group-stage match against the hosts. “The team expected me to bowl fast and use me as an attacking option,” Rana said to ICC. “I tried to repay the faith by sticking to my strengths and staying humble.” Bangladesh humbled by Pakistan A ahead of Champions Trophy Bangladesh has traditionally relied on spin, but with Rana and Taskin Ahmed, and in the squad, they now have a balanced attack. “We did not have a lot of pace bowlers before, but now we have them. We have always had spinners, so now we have a good balance,” the Bangladesh captain said. Nahid said he is not thinking much about the hype around him, instead, he is focusing on his performance and execution. “If I feel good, I know the pace will be right,” he said. “I have learned that looking after your body and staying fit is the key to bowling quick.” Bangladesh Tigers camp starts focusing on out-of-form players

New Zealand has had another setback ahead of the International Cricket Council's Champions Trophy in Pakistan, losing fast bowler Lockie Ferguson to a foot injury. Ferguson was injured in a warm-up match against Afghanistan on Sunday. He will return home immediately and his place in the New Zealand squad will be taken by Kyle Jamieson, who played his most-recent one-day international in September, 2023. The injury to Ferguson follows the loss of another fast bowler, Ben Sears, to a hamstring injury. “We’re really disappointed for Lockie,” New Zealand coach Gary Stead said. “Lockie is a key part of the bowling group and brings a lot of major tournament experience and we know how much he was looking forward to representing New Zealand at another major event. “We wish him well for his recovery and hope he is back firing soon.” Stead said Jamieson has a skill set which makes him an effective replacement for Ferguson. Three-decade wait ends as Pakistan hosts Champions Trophy “Kyle brings plenty of pace and extra bounce which will suit the conditions here in Pakistan,” Stead said. “He’s shown since returning in the (New Zealand domestic cricket) how effective he can be in the shorter forms of the game and he’s bowled with real pace and energy, which is what you’re looking for." New Zealand plays its first match in the Champions Trophy against host Pakistan on Wednesday.

In their lone warm up match ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, Bangladesh lost by seven wickets to the Pakistan A team on Monday in Dubai. Bangladesh posted only 202 runs and were bowled out inside 40 overs. Batters failed to produce a good show ahead of the main event which could have boosted their confidence. In reply to Bangladesh’s lean show, Pakistan A, also known as Shaheen, chased the target in 36 overs with seven wickets in hand. Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first Bangladesh batted well in the first 10 overs, scoring 60 for two wickets. Tanzid Hasan Tamim and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto fell for 6 and 12, respectively. After 20 overs, Bangladesh were 104 for three wickets. Soumya Sarkar fell as the third wicket scoring 35 runs. He was trapped run out. Despite having a good foundation, Bangladesh’s middle order failed to deliver. After 30 overs, they were 140 for seven. Mushfiqur Rahim and Jaker Ali failed to impress, with respective scores of 7 and 0. However, riding on 44 by Mehidy Hasan Miraz and 30 by Tanzim Hasan Sakib Bangladesh managed to cross the 200-run mark. For Pakistan A, Osama Mir took four wickets conceding 43 runs in 10 overs. This year’s Champions Trophy will begin on February 19th in Karachi with the match between Pakistan and New Zealand. Bangladesh’s first match in the Champions Trophy is February 20th, when it will play India in Dubai. In their second and third matches, Bangladesh will travel to Rawalpindi, Pakistan, to play New Zealand and the hosts on February 24 and 27.

In the only practice match ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, Bangladesh tumbled for 202 runs against Pakistan A in Dubai. Bangladesh batters failed to impress before the main event. Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first. Bangladesh performed well in the first 10 overs, scoring 60 for two wickets. Tanzid Hasan Tamim and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto fell for 6 and 12, respectively. After 20 overs, Bangladesh were at 104 for three wickets. Soumya Sarkar fell as the third wicket scoring 35 runs. He was trapped run out. Despite having a good foundation, Bangladesh’s middle order failed to deliver. After 30 overs, they were at 140 for seven. Mushfiqur Rahim and Jaker Ali failed to impress, with respective scores of 7 and 0. Bangladesh Tigers camp starts focusing on out-of-form players However, riding on 44 by Mehidy Hasan Miraz and 30 by Tanzim Hasan Sakib Bangladesh managed to cross the 200-run mark. For Pakistan A, Osama Mir took four wickets conceding 43 runs in 10 overs. Bangladesh’s first match in the Champions Trophy is on February 20th, when it will play India in Dubai. In their second and third matches, Bangladesh will travel to Rawalpindi, Pakistan, to play against New Zealand and the hosts on February 24 and 27.