Pakistan’s last Champions Trophy match against Bangladesh was rained out, sealing their last place in Group A after earlier losses to New Zealand and India. The team concluded the group stage with one point, leading to disappointment among players and fans alike. India and New Zealand advanced to the semi-finals while Pakistan and Bangladesh exit the tournament.
Pakistan’s final match in the Champions Trophy group stage against Bangladesh was unfortunately abandoned due to adverse weather conditions, marking an unceremonious end to their title defense. The game was scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi, but incessant rain led to its cancellation without any play. This result solidified Pakistan’s position at the bottom of Group A, following losses to New Zealand and India.
Having previously won the tournament in 2017, expectations for this year’s performance were considerably high. However, the team concluded the group stage with only one point, finishing lower than Bangladesh, who also had one point but a superior net run-rate. Both teams had little left to play for, as they were already out of contention for the semi-finals.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan expressed his disappointment at the team’s performance, stating, “The expectations were very high but we didn’t perform well and it is disappointing for us.” He acknowledged the shortcomings displayed throughout the tournament and vowed to work harder in the future. Bangladesh’s skipper, Najmul Hossain Shanto, also lamented the missed opportunity to conclude on a positive note, emphasizing the team’s eagerness to compete despite the weather.
Group A saw India and New Zealand progressing to the semi-finals, while Group B sees South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan vying for the remaining two spots. England has already been eliminated from contention, underscoring the competitive nature of the tournament.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the Champions Trophy, culminating in a rain-abandoned match against Bangladesh, reflects the team’s struggles throughout the group stage. The cricketers are left with the task of reassessing their performance and preparing for future challenges, while the tournament progresses towards its semi-finals without the hosts’ participation.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
