The weather in Islamabad and its twin city of Rawalpindi has suddenly changed over the last 12 hours as it is currently witnessing drizzle with shivering cold around the capital of Pakistan.

Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer criticised Bangladesh’s poor performance in the ICC Champions Trophy, saying that the Tiger’s ‘don’t turn up’ in ICC events.

Rachin Ravindra marked his ICC Champions Trophy debut with a century in New Zealand's win over Bangladesh on Monday but it was the 25-year-old's ability to soak up the pressure while batting in an unfamiliar position that impressed teammate Tom Latham.

Joe Root has thrown his support behind white-ball captain Jos Buttler despite England's shaky start to the ICC Champions Trophy, describing him as a "brilliant leader" who has the support of the entire dressing room.

"In 2025 Pakistan was playing the cricket style of the 1980s and 1990s while other teams had progressed well to adopt an aggressive and modern style," Shahid Afridi told AFP.

Eight months ago, curator Tony Hemming parted ways with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) while still having a year left on his two-year contract, expressing dissatisfaction at some of the incidents during his short tenure.  

These two sides have rich history, having played in some ripping ODI contests over the years.

Kohli hit an unbeaten 100 on Sunday, his 51st ODI century, as India swept aside Pakistan by six wickets in Dubai to stand on the cusp of the ICC Champions Trophy semi-finals.

On Monday morning, right in front of the main entrance of the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, a few local hawkers were selling flags of Bangladesh and New Zealand – the two participating teams in today’s crucial Group A match – and of course of hosts Pakistan.

Shanto scores 77 but Bangladesh manage 236-9 against New Zealand

Top-order batsman Saud Shakeel said Pakistan must be better in every facet after a six-wicket defeat to arch-rivals India left the hosts on the brink of a Champions Trophy exit.

Legendary Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram blasted Pakistan after their six-wicket defeat to India in the ICC Champions Trophy Group A match yesterday, comparing the team’s bowling attack to associate nations like Oman and USA and calling for a massive overhaul in the team.

Hosts Pakistan went down by six wickets in Dubai for their second defeat in the 50-over tournament to all but bow out of the semifinal race.

Kohli's 51st ton in the format in Dubai led India to a comfortable victory over their arch-rivals and to the brink of the semifinals.

"For large parts of the Indian innings, a good number of people turned their backs to the match -- facing their friends instead of the screen, such was the disappointment," said the 45-year-old in the city of Karachi.

Bangladesh take on New Zealand (3pm, Bangladesh Time) in a clash that proves utterly crucial for both of these sides, albeit for different reasons.

“Bangladesh’s got a good bowling attack, that’s what I like about them. But big concern is about the batters,” Pakistan’s head curator Tony Hemming said this yesterday when asked about Bangladesh’s chances in today’s match against New Zealand.  

Soon after he tendered his resignation to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) abruptly in last year’s July, renowned curator Tony Hemming joined the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on a two-year contract.

"I think they've always had the spin department covered, but now they've got some very good quick bowlers coming through."

The archrivals face off in Dubai today at 3pm (Bangladesh Time) with the blockbuster clash expected to draw a packed house as the two teams only meet in multi-nation events due to political tensions.