Kiwis, Bangladesh gearing up for Monday’s clash

ISLAMABAD: New Zealand and Bangladesh are gearing up for Monday’s important Champions Trophy match at the Pindi Stadium which in all probability would decide one of the Group A semi-finalists.

New Zealand and Bangladesh teams have arrived in the city with both scheduled to train at the Islamabad Club Ground today (Saturday). Despite the late arrival of Bangladesh team in Islamabad, they will be the first to use the field at the Club Ground Saturday with Kiwis turning up late in the evening to go through their paces.

New Zealand are currently standing at the top of the table in Group A following their thumping 60-run win against Pakistan in the event opener at the National Stadium in Karachi. Bangladesh lost to India with a closer margin at the Dubai Sports Ground Thursday.

For New Zealand another win on Monday would mean they would have one step into the knockout stage. However, before the Monday match, two arch-rivals India and Pakistan will be up against each other on Sunday at the Dubai Sports City.

For Pakistan it would be a must win scenario to earn a place in the knockout stage. Any further hic-cup and Pakistan will be out of the Champions Trophy race. Pakistan will have to repeat the performance it has shown against India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final to stay in the hunt for a place in the semis.

Besides winning against India, Pakistan will also have to ensure that they keep a healthy run-rate. Pakistan will be missing Fakhar Zaman’s services who has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy. It is to be seen whether his replacement Imamul Haq would start making an immediate impact against spin-heavy Indian team. India that edged out Bangladesh the other day is expected to retain the same team while Pakistan are sweating at the inclusion of Faheem Ashraf as a fourth seamer in place of Saud Shakeel, who did not get along well in the three matches he has played for the country during the last ten days. Imam is expected to open with Babar while Khushdil Shah could be drafted in as a one-down a place he is not used to.