Champions Trophy: Kiwis to bat against B'desh in must-win clash

New Zealand have won the toss and elected to bat first in their penultimate Group A Champions Trophy clash against Bangladesh at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Friday.

After winning the toss, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson said, "We know we've got a tough game today, we need to play well."

As far as Playing XI is concerned, New Zealand is interestingly going with the same squad that suffered an 87-run defeat against England in the second group clash.

For Bangladesh, Taskin Ahmed has been roped in the starting XI, as he replaces Imrul Kayes.

Earlier, a wet outfield due to heavy overnight rain and showers scudding across the ground this morning delayed the start of the play.

 

The Kane Williamson-led side is standing at the bottom of the Group A table, while Bangladesh are one spot ahead in the third position.

The two sides have just a point apiece in the eight-team marquee tournament after they slumped to a comprehensive defeat by England, while their respective matches against two-time winner Australia were abandoned.

In order to keep their hopes alive of making it to the playoffs, both sides will now face a do-or-die situation.

On the other hand, if Australia manage to clinch a victory against hosts England at Edgbaston, both teams will qualify for the semi-finals.

New Zealand Playing XI: Martin Guptill, Luke Ronchi(w), Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Neil Broom, James Neesham, Corey Anderson, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Trent Boult.

Bangladesh Playing XI: Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Sabbir Rahman, Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Mashrafe Mortaza(c), Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman.