Pakistan vs Bangladesh Prediction and Betting Tips: 9th Match, Group A, ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The Pakistan vs Bangladesh match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, labeled as the 9th Match in Group A, is scheduled for February 28, 2025, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This encounter is pivotal for both teams, who are coming off two losses each in the group stage, making it a battle for pride and a chance to end their campaign on a positive note. This detailed analysis will cover the current form, head-to-head records, key players, pitch and weather conditions, predicted playing XIs, match prediction, and betting tips, providing a comprehensive guide for fans and bettors alike.

Tournament Context and Match Importance

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, returning after an eight-year hiatus, is hosted in Pakistan and the UAE, with the group stage running from February 19 to March 2, 2025. Group A comprises Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and New Zealand, with each team playing three matches in a round-robin format. The top two teams advance to the semi-finals on March 4 and 5, with the final on March 9. Given that both Pakistan and Bangladesh have lost their first two matches, this match on February 28 at 1:00 PM local time is less about qualification and more about salvaging pride, especially for Pakistan playing at home.

Current Form and Recent Performances

Pakistan

Pakistan, ranked 3rd in the current ODI team rankings ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, has had a disappointing start to the tournament:

• vs New Zealand (February 19, 2025): Lost by 60 runs, scoring 260 chasing New Zealand’s 320. Key contributions came from Babar Azam and Khushdil Shah, but the team collapsed under pressure Pakistan vs New Zealand Match Report.
• vs India (February 23, 2025): Lost by 6 wickets, posting 241, which India chased down with ease, led by Virat Kohli’s century India vs Pakistan Match Report.

These results indicate a struggle in both batting and bowling, with the team unable to capitalize on starts and defend totals.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh, ranked 8th in ODIs ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, has also faced setbacks:

• vs India (February 20, 2025): Lost by 6 wickets after scoring 228, with India chasing comfortably, led by Shubman Gill’s century Bangladesh vs India Match Report.
• vs New Zealand (February 24, 2025): Lost by 5 wickets after scoring 236, with New Zealand overcoming the target, thanks to Rachin Ravindra’s century Bangladesh vs New Zealand Match Report.

Bangladesh’s batting has shown some fight, with contributions from Najmul Hossain Shanto and Toahid Hridoy, but their bowling has struggled to contain strong opposition.

Head-to-Head Record

Historically, Pakistan has dominated Bangladesh in ODIs, with 34 wins out of 39 matches, and Bangladesh securing 5 victories Pakistan vs Bangladesh Head to Head in ODI. This record underscores Pakistan’s superiority, especially in high-pressure situations, and suggests they are likely to have an edge in this match.

Key Players to Watch Out For

Pakistan

• Babar Azam: A world-class batsman, Babar has been a consistent performer, likely to anchor the innings despite recent struggles.
• Mohammad Rizwan: The captain and wicketkeeper, Rizwan has been reliable with the bat, offering stability at the top.
• Shaheen Afridi: A left-arm fast bowler known for his swing and pace, Shaheen can be a game-changer with early wickets.
• Haris Rauf: A fast bowler effective in the death overs, Haris can trouble Bangladesh’s lower order with his yorkers.
• Usama Mir: A leg-spinner who can exploit turning conditions, potentially crucial on a wearing pitch.

Bangladesh

• Najmul Hossain Shanto: The captain and a key batsman, Shanto has shown form and will be crucial for a competitive total.
• Mushfiqur Rahim: An experienced batsman and wicketkeeper, Rahim can stabilize the middle order and accelerate when needed.
• Taskin Ahmed: A fast bowler with pace and bounce, Taskin can challenge Pakistan’s top order.
• Mehidy Hasan Miraz: An off-spinner who bowls economically and takes wickets, Mehidy can be effective in the middle overs.
• Toahid Hridoy: A young batsman showing promise, Hridoy can be a wildcard with his aggressive stroke play.

Pitch and Weather Conditions

The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is known for its batting-friendly pitches, offering good bounce and pace, with a fast outfield and relatively short boundaries. This suggests a high-scoring game, with batsmen likely to dominate. Weather conditions in late February are typically clear, with no significant rain expected, ensuring a full match without interruptions.

Predicted Playing XIs

Based on recent performances and squad composition, the predicted line-ups are:

These line-ups reflect a balance of experience and youth, with Pakistan leaning on their top-order batsmen and Bangladesh relying on their all-rounders.

Prediction of the Match Outcome

Given Pakistan’s historical dominance (34 wins out of 39 ODIs against Bangladesh), their higher ODI ranking (3rd vs 8th), and the home advantage at Rawalpindi, it seems likely that Pakistan will win. Both teams are coming off two losses, which might affect morale, but Pakistan’s stronger batting line-up, led by Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, and their potent bowling attack, including Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, give them an edge. Bangladesh, while resilient, has struggled to contain opposition totals, and their batting, despite contributions from Shanto and Hridoy, may find it challenging against Pakistan’s bowlers on a batting-friendly pitch.

Betting Tips

Betting on this match requires considering the form, historical data, and pitch conditions. Here are some suggested bets, based on the analysis:

1. Match Winner: Pakistan, given their historical edge and home advantage. Odds might be around 1.50 for Pakistan, reflecting their favoritism.
2. Top Batsman for Pakistan: Babar Azam, likely to score big, with odds around 3.00 for being the top scorer.
3. Top Batsman for Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto, a key batsman for Bangladesh, with odds around 4.00.
4. Total Runs: Over 250, given the batting-friendly pitch at Rawalpindi, with odds around 1.80 for over.
5. Man of the Match: Babar Azam or Shaheen Afridi, with odds around 5.00 each, reflecting their potential impact.

These tips are based on current form and historical trends, but bettors should check live odds from reputable platforms for the most accurate figures.

Conclusion

The Pakistan vs Bangladesh match on February 28, 2025, at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is set to be a competitive encounter, with both teams looking to end their group stage on a high. Pakistan’s historical dominance, stronger team composition, and home advantage make them the likely winners, while Bangladesh will aim to upset the hosts with their resilient batting and bowling. For bettors, favoring Pakistan, with Babar Azam as a top pick and expecting a high-scoring game, seems prudent. Fans can look forward to an exciting match, with key performances from both sides shaping the outcome.