Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy title defense ended in disappointment with a single point after their match against rain. Key players Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman were injured, affecting the team’s balance. Rizwan emphasized the need for professional development within the squad. Pakistan will next tour New Zealand for a five-match T20I and three-ODI series in March.
Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy defense ended disappointingly as their final group stage match was washed out by rain in Rawalpindi. After being eliminated from semi-final contention with losses to New Zealand and India, the team, led by Mohammad Rizwan, finished at the bottom of Group A with only one point.
Rizwan reflected on the team’s struggles, highlighting the impact of injuries to key players Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman, which disrupted the balance of the team. He expressed disappointment over not meeting high expectations and emphasized the importance of each player’s contribution to the team’s performance.
Ayub, who had been instrumental in previous series wins, was sidelined by an ankle injury sustained during a Test series against South Africa. Zaman also faced a setback, sustaining an oblique muscle strain during the opening match against New Zealand, limiting the team’s options.
When asked about the depth of the squad, Rizwan acknowledged the necessity for improvements in overall performance, urging for greater professionalism and awareness within the domestic circuit to uplift Pakistan’s cricket standards.
Looking ahead, Pakistan is set to tour New Zealand for a five-match T20I and three-ODI series starting March 16. Rizwan stressed the importance of learning from recent mistakes to enhance their game against the Black Caps in upcoming encounters.
Pakistan’s performance in the ICC Champions Trophy was marred by injuries to key players and resulted in a disappointing exit from the tournament. As they prepare to face New Zealand, the focus shifts towards improving their performance and learning from past mistakes in order to return stronger in upcoming matches.
Original Source: www.icc-cricket.com
