Pakistan faces Bangladesh in their final Group A match of the Champions Trophy 2025, both already eliminated from the tournament. The game is set in Rawalpindi but may be affected by rain. Poor batting performance plagued both teams throughout the group stage, with significant criticism directed at Pakistan’s tactics and lineup choices. The match is significant for pride as both teams aim for their first victory in the tournament.
Pakistan will play against Bangladesh in their final group-stage match of the Champions Trophy 2025, taking place in Rawalpindi. Both teams have already been eliminated from the tournament, as India and New Zealand have secured their positions in the semi-finals. The upcoming match will determine which team finishes third in Group A, with Pakistan aiming for a consolation win against Bangladesh. However, adverse weather conditions in Rawalpindi could impact play, with forecasts predicting afternoon showers.
Both teams have struggled with their batting performance during the tournament, with Pakistan’s top order facing criticism for inconsistent runs, and Bangladesh experiencing similar issues. The match is significant for both teams to restore pride after a disappointing campaign. The weather forecast for Thursday predicts cloudy skies with an 88% chance of rain, complicating the match’s prospects.
The predicted XI for Pakistan includes key players such as Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan, while Bangladesh will field a team led by Najmul Hossain Shanto. Despite a dark tournament so far, there is a collective hope for both teams to end on a high note. Former players have provided critical assessments of Pakistan’s performance, suggesting drastic changes are needed to revitalize the squad’s strength and tactics moving forward.
Concerns over the state of Pakistan cricket continue, with notable figures calling for a rejuvenation of the team. Former all-rounder Mudassar Nazar voiced fears that Pakistan cricket may be heading down a concerning path, drawing parallels to their hockey program. As the two teams prepare to finalize their campaigns, much rests on the Rawalpindi weather permitting an actual game to proceed as scheduled.
The upcoming match between Pakistan and Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy 2025 serves as a last chance for both teams to secure pride after disappointing performances. The adverse weather conditions may pose a further challenge, while past criticisms highlight a need for revitalization in Pakistan’s cricket strategies. Ultimately, the outcome will only have significance for determining the third place in Group A, given that both teams have been eliminated from the tournament.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
