Pakistan’s final Champions Trophy match against Bangladesh was abandoned due to rain, resulting in them finishing last in Group A. The team, which won the tournament in 2017, faced disappointment, having lost previous games against New Zealand and India. Skippers of both teams expressed dissatisfaction with the cancellation.
The final group match of the Champions Trophy for the hosts, Pakistan, against Bangladesh was completely abandoned due to rain in Rawalpindi, marking a disappointing end to their title defense. The match was crucial only for pride, as both teams had already been eliminated from contention for the semi-finals. With this cancellation, Pakistan concluded their campaign at the bottom of Group A, having lost vital matches against New Zealand and India.
Pakistan’s performance in this tournament fell short of expectations, particularly as they were the champions of the 2017 edition. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan reflected on the team’s struggles, stating, “The expectations were very high but we didn’t perform well and it is disappointing for us.” He emphasized the need for rigorous preparation to improve in future competitions.
Similarly, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed disappointment over the weather’s impact on their game, remarking, “We really wanted to play this match but can’t do anything about the weather.” Ultimately, Pakistan finished fourth in their group with one point, while Bangladesh, also with one point, secured a higher standing due to a better net run-rate.
Consistent rain in Rawalpindi prevented any play despite multiple inspections by the umpires, leading to India’s and New Zealand’s progression to the semi-finals. The tournament’s other group saw South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan vying for the remaining semi-final spots, while England’s exit from the competition concluded their participation.
In summary, Pakistan’s cricket team faced significant disappointment during the recently concluded Champions Trophy held in their home country. Their defense of the title ended with a match against Bangladesh being washed out, leaving them at the bottom of Group A. The leadership of both teams lamented the lack of play and expressed hopes for better future performances.
Original Source: www.france24.com
