Pakistan’s last match of the Champions Trophy against Bangladesh was called off due to rain, leading to a disappointing finish with no wins. Their performance was underwhelming, as the team ended up last in Group A. Both captains expressed disappointment over the outcome, emphasizing the hurdle of weather on their last chance to play.
Pakistan’s final group stage match in the Champions Trophy against Bangladesh was abandoned due to rain without any play occurring in Rawalpindi. This abandonment culminated a disappointing tournament for the hosts, who were unable to secure a win, finishing at the bottom of Group A after losses to New Zealand and India. Both Pakistan and Bangladesh had already been eliminated from semifinal contention prior to this match.
Pakistan, the defending champions, ended the tournament with just one point. Despite having the same point total as Bangladesh, the net run-rate placed them last in the group standings. Captain Mohammad Rizwan expressed disappointment, acknowledging high expectations from fans that were not met. He emphasized the need for improvement and hard work moving forward.
Bangladesh’s captain Najmul Hossain Shanto shared similar sentiments, lamenting the missed opportunity to conclude their campaign on a high note due to the weather. Continuous rain in Rawalpindi prevented any chance of play despite various inspections. From Group A, India and New Zealand advanced to the semifinals while Bangladesh and Pakistan exited without a win.
In Group B, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan vie for the remaining semifinal spots, as England has already been eliminated from contention. This year’s Champions Trophy, hosted by Pakistan, marked a significant moment for the country, which had not hosted a major cricket tournament in 30 years, making the team’s poor performance particularly disappointing.
Pakistan’s failure to win any matches in the Champions Trophy, culminating in a washed-out game against Bangladesh, reflects the team’s shortcomings this tournament. Both teams end their campaign at the bottom of their group, highlighting a need for significant improvement. As the tournament progresses into the semifinals, focus shifts to other competing teams and their performances.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
