Bangladesh‍‍`s Do-Or-Die match: Win against New Zealand or face early exit

It’s make-or-break time for Bangladesh. The team faces a high-stakes showdown against New Zealand at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium at 3.00 PM on Monday. 

If Bangladesh wins, they keep their hopes alive for the semi-finals, but a loss would mean their elimination from the tournament with a game still to play. 

This match is crucial, as it is now clear that Bangladesh must defeat New Zealand to stay in the competition. 

The stakes are even higher after India’s win over Pakistan in Dubai, which sealed Bangladesh‍‍`s fate. 

A loss would make their exit inevitable, while a win gives them a fighting chance.

For New Zealand, however, this is a game of opportunity. 

If they secure a win, they will guarantee a spot in the semi-finals and continue their strong push for the title. 

The 2002 champions are in good form, and a win would ensure their progression to the next stage. 

This makes Monday‍‍`s match a critical one for both teams.

Bangladesh enters the match as the underdog. 

They’ve struggled with form, especially in their first match, where batting woes left them reeling. 

They lost five wickets for just 36 runs, which put them on the back foot early. 

The team has been battling with a lack of confidence, and their hopes now rest on a strong performance from their top-order batsmen. 

Coach Phil Simmons has set his sights on a score of over 300 runs, although even that might not guarantee victory. 

As seen on Saturday in Lahore, Australia chased down a massive 351-run target against England with ease.

To boost their batting strength, Bangladesh could make some changes to the line-up. If fit, experienced batsman Mahmudullah will return to the team, offering the kind of stability the team needs. 

The only question is: who will make way for him? Will they leave out a top-order batsman or drop Mushfiqur Rahim from the middle order? This decision is something the team will have to make ahead of the match.

There is also likely to be a change in Bangladesh‍‍`s bowling attack. 

The surprise exclusion of Nahid Rana from the first match is expected to be corrected, with the young pace bowler set to make his return.

Rana’s fiery performance at this very ground in a previous series caught the attention of the cricketing world, and his return could bring fresh energy to the team.

As for New Zealand, they come into this match with plenty of confidence. 

They have been dominating, winning the Tri-series and defeating Afghanistan in a warm-up match. 

Their Champions Trophy campaign started with a commanding victory over Pakistan. 

They’ve been in Pakistan for almost three weeks and are accustomed to the conditions. 

However, despite their strong form, captain Mitchell Santner has shown a great deal of respect for Bangladesh. 

He has highlighted key players like Tohid Hridoy, Zakir Ali, Mahmudullah, and Mehedi Hasan Miraz, noting that his team needs to be cautious when facing Bangladesh’s pace attack.

Santner’s comments suggest that New Zealand is taking Bangladesh seriously, and the challenge is now for Bangladesh to live up to that respect.

If they can perform up to expectations, they may just pull off an upset. 

However, if they fail, Thursday’s match against Pakistan will be nothing more than a “friendly” match with no real significance.

Before the match, coach Phil Simmons remained hopeful. 

He believes that every match in this tournament is a pressure match, and despite New Zealand’s current form, tomorrow is a new day. 

“Every match in this tournament is a pressure match. The world’s top eight teams are here, and every match is expected to be tough. Yes, New Zealand is playing well right now. But tomorrow (Monday) is a new day, and we will try to ensure that no matter how well they’ve played, they won’t do so here,” he said.

Bangladesh’s best memories from Pakistan come from last August, when they defeated Pakistan 2-0 in a Test series here at Rawalpindi.

Simmons hopes that the team can draw inspiration from that success to boost their confidence ahead of this crucial match. 

“I hope this will be a source of inspiration for the team. It’s not easy to beat Pakistan in Pakistan. I hope the team draws confidence from that series and it will have a positive effect on their mindset,” Simmons said.

This match has all the ingredients of a thrilling contest. 

Bangladesh will need to be at their best, with their top order firing and their bowlers delivering. 

They know that their fate is in their own hands, and the challenge now is to show the world that they belong in the semi-finals. 

New Zealand, on the other hand, will look to seal their progression and continue their impressive campaign.

It’s a match that promises plenty of drama and excitement, and it will be fascinating to see which team can handle the pressure better.