RAWALPINDI: New Zealand have won the toss and elected to field first in the Champions Trophy 2025 match against Bangladesh, being played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.
This is the first match of the ongoing tournament which will be played at the Pindi stadium.
It may be noted that after the humiliating defeat against India in yesterday’s high-stakes clash in Dubai, it is crucial for Pakistan that Bangladesh win today’s match to stay in the league.
The Men in Green were beaten by the arch-rivals by six wickets in a Group A match of the Champions Trophy 2025.
The result of today’s match is one of the conditions that affect the host nation’s campaign in the tournament.
To ensure smooth proceedings, Rawalpindi Police have deployed over 5,000 officers for security duties, while more than 350 traffic officers are managing traffic flow.
The Rawalpindi central police officer said that a special control room had been set up to monitor the arrangements, with Safe City cameras and other CCTV systems keeping an eye on the stadium and the garrison city.
He said that snipers had been strategically positioned on rooftops along the route and around the stadium, while Police, Dolphin Force, and Elite Force units were actively patrolling.
Spectators will only be allowed entry after passing through walk-through gates and full-body searches, he added.
The police official further stated that in accordance with security protocols, parking outside designated areas was strictly prohibited.
Meanwhile, senior officials are conducting regular security briefings and inspections to ensure foolproof arrangements, coordinated with the Pakistan Army, Rangers, and other security agencies.
Fans attending the match should note that power banks, hands-free devices, AirPods, food items, and any prohibited objects will not be allowed inside the stadium.
Playing XI
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham (WK), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santer (C), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rorke.
Bangladesh: Najmul Hassan Shanto (C), Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, mehdy Miraz, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed.
