Every game 'pressure' as Bangladesh face make-or-break clash

The National Times - Every game 'pressure' as Bangladesh face make-or-break clash

SPORTS 23.02.2025

Every game 'pressure' as Bangladesh face make-or-break clash / Photo: © AFP

Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons admits every game in the Champions Trophy "is hard and full of pressure" as the Tigers face a make-or-break clash with formidable New Zealand in Rawalpindi on Monday.

Change text size:

After India defeated Pakistan on Sunday, Bangladesh must beat the Black Caps or they will be eliminated from semi-final contention.

New Zealand, winners of the Champions Trophy in 2000, opened their campaign with victory over hosts Pakistan while Bangladesh lost to India.

If New Zealand win on Monday they qualify for the semi-finals from Group A alongside India.

"It's the top eight in the world and you expect every game to be hard and full of pressure," said Simmons, a former West Indian all-rounder.

"New Zealand have been playing well but tomorrow is a new day so we will try and make sure that they don't play as well as they have been."

Bangladesh are sweating on the fitness of 39-year-old batsman Mahmudullah who missed the India game with a calf injury.

"He (Mahmudullah) has to do a fitness test and then we'll know after practise today whether he's fit enough. He is important for us," said Simmons of a player who has made 5,685 runs from 238 matches since his ODI debut in 2007.

F.Adams--TNT

Former SNY Host Niki Lattarulo Confirms Layoffs Amid Network Cuts

Former SNY host Niki Lattarulo has confirmed she was among the editorial staff laid off last week as the sports network canceled two of its flagship programs. The cuts coincide with a broader operational review that includes removing past content from the network's website, though core Mets and Jets coverage will continue.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

The National Times - Every game 'pressure' as Bangladesh face make-or-break clash