Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign ended without a victory, as their match against Bangladesh was called off due to rain. Both teams were winless in the tournament. Captain Rizwan and assistant coach Mahmood acknowledged the team’s struggles, including injuries and pressure. Bangladesh’s captain also reflected on the lessons learned from their performances. Both teams aim to improve in future competitions.
Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign concludes without a victory, as their match against Bangladesh was abandoned due to persistent rain, with no play occurring in Rawalpindi on Thursday. The contest was essentially inconsequential, with both teams already eliminated after failing to secure wins in their earlier matches. As Pakistan hosted an ICC tournament for the first time in nearly three decades, the squad aimed for a stronger showing but ultimately went home without attaining a single win.
Heavy rainfall left the pitch unplayable, resulting in puddles forming around the field, and match officials decided to cancel the game nearly two hours after the anticipated start. Consequently, both Pakistan and Bangladesh were awarded one point each, yet both ended the tournament without a single victory.
The washout adds to the frustration for local fans eagerly awaiting the match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium; it parallels a previous abandonment earlier in the week between South Africa and Australia. Pakistan has faced significant criticism for its underwhelming performance, having lost to both New Zealand and India prior.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan expressed disappointment, stating, “We wanted to do well and perform well in front of our nation. The expectations are very high. We didn’t perform well and it is disappointing for us.” He emphasized the potential for learning from past mistakes as they prepare for upcoming matches, including a series in New Zealand.
Azhar Mahmood, Pakistan’s assistant coach, noted that injuries to key players adversely impacted their performance, particularly pointing to the pressure placed on the team against India. He remarked, “We haven’t played well in this tournament… Against India, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves.” Mahmood expressed the need for fans to maintain faith in the players and their development.
The absence of pivotal players, such as Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, disrupted the team’s cohesion, as Rizwan acknowledged the challenges of adapting to these injuries. He stated, “Yes, Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub were injured, but we will learn from this.” Rizwan expressed collective disappointment, underscoring their commitment to improving performance for their nation’s expectations.
Bangladesh, likewise winless in the tournament, returns home with lessons to analyze after failing to capitalize on opportunities against India and New Zealand. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed, “I am very disappointed. We really wanted to play this match, but can’t do anything about the weather.” He noted a need for reflection and improvement for future competitions as they look to bolster their fast bowling unit with emerging talent.
In summary, Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign ended in disappointment with no victories to show, capped by a rainout against Bangladesh. The team faced critiques for its performance, largely stemming from injuries and heightened pressure in key matches. Both captains, Rizwan and Shanto, emphasized the importance of learning from mistakes to improve future performances. As they move forward, both teams have much to reflect on and adjust as they prepare for upcoming challenges.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
