PAK vs BAN: Bangladesh, Pakistan look to salvage pleasure as rain menace looms giant
Pakistan and Bangladesh don’t have anything to lose once they face off within the penultimate Group A match on Thursday, twenty seventh February, within the Champions Trophy 2025 on the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Each groups have already been eradicated from the competitors however will intention to keep away from ending on the backside of the factors desk.
Nevertheless, there’s a important probability that rain may spoil the sport. With an 88 per cent chance of rain all through the match and clouds hovering over the venue, there’s an actual chance that the encounter may very well be interrupted. Earlier, the match between Australia and South Africa was deserted and not using a ball being bowled, and the upcoming conflict might find yourself being a moist squib.
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Pakistan look to make amends
Because the host nation, Pakistan has not had the very best match. Regardless of having high quality gamers, they didn’t make it to the semi-finals. Of their opening sport, Pakistan suffered a 60-run defeat by the hands of New Zealand, adopted by a six-wicket hammering by India on the Dubai Worldwide Cricket Stadium.
Mohammad Rizwan started his tenure as Pakistan’s captain with three consecutive collection wins towards Zimbabwe, Australia, and South Africa. Nevertheless, the absence of key opening batsmen Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman considerably impacted their efficiency. Moreover, their resolution to incorporate only one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed, backfired.
Additionally Learn: Even MS Dhoni could not have accomplished something with Rizwan’s crew: Ex-Pakistan captain
The tempo trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf additionally leaked runs at an alarming charge. Babar Azam confirmed some promise towards India, with 5 boundaries in his 23-run knock, however was unable to return to his finest. The one factor Pakistan can now hope for is to complete with a win in entrance of their house crowd.
Can Bangladesh end on a excessive?
Earlier than the Champions Trophy started, Najmul Hossain Shanto said that Bangladesh would enter the match with the intention of successful it. Sadly, the Tigers didn’t stay as much as expectations, exiting the competitors after back-to-back losses to India and New Zealand. It’s clear that Shanto’s facet haven’t lived as much as the promise they confirmed in pre-tournament statements.
Moreover, there may be some rigidity within the Bangladesh camp after the Day by day Solar reported that head coach Phil Simmons lashed out at Mahmudullah Riyad and Mushfiqur Rahim following Bangladesh’s five-wicket loss to New Zealand in Rawalpindi. Mahmudullah failed with the bat and dropped an important catch, whereas Mushfiqur was dismissed cheaply after trying an formidable shot whereas Bangladesh was shedding fast wickets.
Towhid Hridoy scored a century, whereas Shanto and Jaker Ali each scored fifties within the match. Bangladesh may really feel assured heading into this match, as the house crew is demoralised after their disappointing performances. Whereas the result of this match received’t have an effect on semi-final qualification, neither crew will wish to finish the match on the backside of the desk.
