<p>New Zealand and Bangladesh enter their final group match of the ICC Champions Trophy here on Thursday with the knowledge that even a win may not be enough to see either of them into the semifinals.<br /><br />New Zealand are, quite surprisingly, at the bottom of Group ‘A’ with Bangladesh in the third position.<br />Both teams have a point apiece after they were each comprehensively defeated by England, while their respective matches with Australia ended in rain-induced no results.<br /><br />Hosts England have signalled their title intentions by cruising into the last-four stage following two convincing outings.<br /><br />If Australia beat England in their last group match at Edgbatson, both the two teams will be in the semifinals as they enjoy better net run-rate.<br /><br />The desperation for a win aside, both New Zealand and Bangladesh would hope for an England victory against Australia, assuming rain does not disturb their calculations again.<br /><br />While the Kiwis were a tad unfortunate against Australia, given that they were in a stronger position when the match was called off, Bangladesh were lucky to run away with a point against the Aussies.<br /><br />New Zealand should have the edge over Bangladesh when it comes to local knowledge given their 87-run defeat by England in Cardiff on Tuesday. New Zealand have the pedigree, but it would be foolish to rule out Bangladesh.<br /></p>
<p>New Zealand and Bangladesh enter their final group match of the ICC Champions Trophy here on Thursday with the knowledge that even a win may not be enough to see either of them into the semifinals.<br /><br />New Zealand are, quite surprisingly, at the bottom of Group ‘A’ with Bangladesh in the third position.<br />Both teams have a point apiece after they were each comprehensively defeated by England, while their respective matches with Australia ended in rain-induced no results.<br /><br />Hosts England have signalled their title intentions by cruising into the last-four stage following two convincing outings.<br /><br />If Australia beat England in their last group match at Edgbatson, both the two teams will be in the semifinals as they enjoy better net run-rate.<br /><br />The desperation for a win aside, both New Zealand and Bangladesh would hope for an England victory against Australia, assuming rain does not disturb their calculations again.<br /><br />While the Kiwis were a tad unfortunate against Australia, given that they were in a stronger position when the match was called off, Bangladesh were lucky to run away with a point against the Aussies.<br /><br />New Zealand should have the edge over Bangladesh when it comes to local knowledge given their 87-run defeat by England in Cardiff on Tuesday. New Zealand have the pedigree, but it would be foolish to rule out Bangladesh.<br /></p>