Aaqib Javed, Pakistan’s head coach, stated that pride will motivate his players in their final group match against Bangladesh after being eliminated from the Champions Trophy. Following defeats to New Zealand and India, the team faces more rain predictions, potentially finishing last in Group A. Aaqib expressed the players’ hurt and desire to leave a mark in their concluding game, amid frustrations from fans and continual underperformance in major tournaments.
In a crucial dead rubber match against Bangladesh, Pakistan’s head coach Aaqib Javed expressed that the team will be driven by pride despite being eliminated from the Champions Trophy. Following losses to New Zealand and India, their group stage concluded without the possibility of progressing to the semi-finals. Rain delays may further complicate their chances of avoiding finishing last in Group A due to net run-rate, adding to the team’s disappointments during their first hosting of a major cricket tournament in three decades.
Aaqib noted that the players feel a greater sense of hurt than the fans and are determined to make an impact in their final match. He acknowledged that no one is satisfied with the team’s performance, although they have recently overcome Australia and South Africa in previous series, winning their first ODI series in Australia in 22 years. “Every game is played for pride so we want to leave a mark on Thursday,” Aaqib stated, indicating the team’s desire to redeem themselves.
Fans and former players have expressed frustration with the team’s continuous failures, particularly after disappointing exits from both the 2023 World Cup and the T20 World Cup last year. Aaqib recognized the emotional weight of losing to arch-rivals India, which has heightened the disappointment among supporters. A poor batting performance resulted in a six-wicket loss to India, a significant blow to team morale.
The head coach defended his fast-bowling lineup, stating that blaming a few players is unjust. He asserted that players like Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf remain among the top bowlers globally despite the team’s struggles. Aaqib emphasized the need for collective effort and support moving forward, aiming to restore faith in the team after a tumultuous period of performances.
In summary, Pakistan’s head coach Aaqib Javed highlighted the urgency for his players to draw motivation from pride as they prepare for their final group match against Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy. Despite recent disappointments and criticism from fans, the team aims to conclude the tournament with a positive performance. Aaqib’s defense of his bowlers and recognition of the emotional stakes emphasize the need for resilience and unity moving forward.
Original Source: www.france24.com
