Pakistan’s last Champions Trophy match against Bangladesh was abandoned due to rain, resulting in the host team’s failure to win any matches. The team finished last in Group A, having suffered losses to New Zealand and India. Captains Mohammad Rizwan and Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed disappointment over the abandoned match and their performances throughout the tournament.
Pakistan’s final match in the Champions Trophy against Bangladesh was unfortunately abandoned due to persistent rain in Rawalpindi, leaving the team’s title defense in tatters. The reigning champions, who claimed victory in the 50-over tournament in 2017, concluded their group stage run without any wins, having lost to both New Zealand and India, thus finishing at the bottom of Group A.
For both Pakistan and Bangladesh, the last match was primarily a matter of pride, as neither team was in contention for the semi-finals. Pakistan’s disappointing performance, failing to progress beyond the group stage, is a letdown for a country that hosted its first major cricket tournament in three decades.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan expressed disappointment, stating, “The expectations were very high but we didn’t perform well and it is disappointing for us.” He acknowledged the team’s need for improvement, hoping for a stronger comeback in future tournaments. Bangladesh’s captain Najmul Hossain Shanto shared similar sentiments about missing the opportunity to conclude the tournament positively, stating, “We really wanted to play this match but can’t do anything about the weather.”
Pakistan ultimately finished in fourth place within Group A, securing one point, slightly trailing Bangladesh, who also ended with one point but had a superior net run rate. Continuous rain prevented any play after multiple inspections were conducted by the umpires. India and New Zealand advanced to the semi-finals from Group A, while South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan vie for spots in the semi-finals from Group B with England unable to qualify.
In summary, Pakistan’s cricket team faced significant disappointment in the Champions Trophy, finishing last in Group A without a single match win. Their inability to perform in a crucial tournament on home soil has raised concerns for future prospects. Both captains expressed their regrets over the abandoned match against Bangladesh, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the weather and the need for the teams to improve going forward.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
