Pakistan’s last Champions Trophy match against Bangladesh was abandoned due to rain, concluding their disappointing campaign without a win. The team finished last in Group A with one point, behind Bangladesh, who had the same points but a better net run-rate. India and New Zealand advanced to the semi-finals, while calls for reform in the Pakistani cricket structure increased following the team’s early exit.
In a disappointing conclusion to their Champions Trophy campaign, Pakistan’s final group match against Bangladesh was abandoned without play due to persistent rain in Rawalpindi. This outcome marked a lackluster end to Pakistan’s title defense, as they failed to secure a single victory throughout the tournament, finishing last in Group A after losses to New Zealand and India.
Pakistan’s elimination from the tournament was particularly disheartening for the nation, as they were hosting their first major cricket event in thirty years. The match held no significance for either team regarding qualification for the semi-finals, as Bangladesh too was out of the running. With one point from three matches, Pakistan found themselves at the bottom of Group A, just trailing Bangladesh, which had the same points but a superior net run-rate.
Despite multiple inspections, including assessments from the umpires, weather conditions did not improve enough to permit any play. As a result, India and New Zealand advanced to the semi-finals, while the situation in Group B was also developing, with teams like South Africa and Australia vying for qualification. England, unfortunately, have been eliminated from contention altogether.
Calls for reform and criticism towards media narratives were prominent post-match, highlighted by Attaullah Tarar’s accusations against the Indian media of politicizing sports, and former captain Shahid Afridi advocating for a complete overhaul of the system. Amidst the turmoil, the tournament moved forward with the remaining teams in contention for the coveted titles, while Pakistan’s journey ended in disappointment.
The abandonment of Pakistan’s final match against Bangladesh illustrates the nation’s struggles in the 2023 Champions Trophy. With no wins to their name and a disappointing fourth place finish, the results have spurred calls for significant changes within the cricketing framework of the country. Meanwhile, other countries like India and New Zealand find themselves progressing to the semi-finals, underscoring a notable contrast in performance amid the adverse conditions faced by the host nation.
Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk
