With a focus on pride, Pakistan’s cricket team, coached by Aaqib Javed, prepares for a dead rubber match against Bangladesh after a disappointing Champions Trophy. Winning is crucial to end their campaign on a positive note following losses to New Zealand and India, which left them out of semifinal contention and affected the players’ morale despite recent series victories.
Pakistan’s head coach Aaqib Javed emphasized that pride will motivate his players as they prepare for their inconsequential Champions Trophy match against Bangladesh. After being eliminated from the semifinal race due to losses against New Zealand and India, the team faces challenges as rain threatens their final Group A game in Rawalpindi, potentially leading to a last-place finish based on net run-rate.
Despite the disappointing end to Pakistan’s first major international cricket competition hosting in 30 years, Aaqib assures that the players are more affected than the fans. He stated, “There are no excuses… but I can assure you that the players are more hurt than the fans and want to leave a mark in the last game.” The team is determined to showcase their abilities, recalling their recent successes in series wins against Australia and South Africa.
Aaqib acknowledged the emotional burden of the team’s defeats, particularly against India, affecting fans deeply. He stated, “People are more involved in an India-Pakistan match and they do not accept a defeat against India… that defeat has left them more dejected.” The team’s poor performance, scoring only 241 runs against a strong Indian side, has contributed to the public’s frustration with their overall performance in recent tournaments.
Defending his key bowlers, Aaqib dismissed criticism aimed at players like Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, calling them among the best in the world. He argued that placing blame on individual players is unjust, reinforcing the notion that the team’s struggles are collective rather than solely based on a few individuals’ performances. He maintains belief in their potential as they strive to conclude the tournament positively.
In summary, Pakistan’s cricket team faces a crucial match against Bangladesh, driven by pride after a disappointing Champions Trophy performance. Coach Aaqib Javed believes the players are more affected by the team’s failures than the fans. Despite recent victories, the team seeks to recover from emotional defeats, particularly against arch-rivals India, as they aim to leave a strong impression in their final game.
Original Source: www.france24.com
