Pakistan’s final group match in the Champions Trophy against Bangladesh is driven by the team’s desire for pride after being eliminated from the tournament. Head coach Aaqib Javed reassures that players are more affected by the losses than the fans, aiming to make a statement in their last game. Despite previous successes in Australia and South Africa, frustrations linger from their defeats, especially against arch-rivals India.
In anticipation of their final Group A match against Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy, Pakistan’s head coach Aaqib Javed expressed that the team’s players will be fueled by pride despite facing elimination from the tournament. The defending champions were knocked out after losing to New Zealand and India, rendering this match inconsequential for their standing.
As concerns over weather conditions arise, with rain potentially impacting the match, Pakistan risks finishing last in the group on net run-rate. This situation is a disappointing outcome for the team, as they are hosting a major international cricket competition for the first time in thirty years.
Aaqib stated, “There are no excuses, there shouldn’t be any in life, but I can assure you that the players are more hurt than the fans and want to leave a mark in the last game.” He acknowledged the players’ dissatisfaction with their recent performances, emphasizing their determination to conclude the tournament positively, after victories over Australia and South Africa earlier.
Reflecting on the competitive nature of the Champions Trophy, Aaqib reiterated the need to start fresh in this match, asserting that every game holds importance for personal pride. He explained the emotional toll on fans stemming from Pakistan’s loss to India, highlighting the heightened stakes in such rival matches.
Concerning the recent match against India, where Pakistan fell short, Aaqib noted that the batting struggles contributed to their defeat, stating, “We managed just 241 in batting and when facing a strong batting line-up you attack in order to get wickets.” He defended his bowlers, asserting their status among the world’s best and rejecting misplaced blame on individual players.
In summary, Pakistan’s upcoming match against Bangladesh serves as an opportunity for the players to regain their pride after a disappointing Champions Trophy campaign. Despite setbacks against top-tier teams, the coach emphasizes the importance of finishing strong. The emotional weight of the fans regarding the team’s performance in rivalry matches is acknowledged, as is the ongoing commitment to excellence from the players.
Original Source: www.france24.com
