Pakistan and Bangladesh will face off in their final group-stage match of the ICC Champions Trophy in Rawalpindi, with both sides hoping to salvage some pride after a forgettable tournament. With gloomy weather forecasts looming over the match, the mood in both dressing rooms is likely to be tense as they prepare for what could be their last chance to make an impact.
Pakistan’s Struggles: A Flawed Batting Order and Leaky Bowling Attack
Pakistan’s performance in the tournament has been far from inspiring. Their batting unit has failed to fire collectively, particularly in crucial games against New Zealand and India. With Fakhar Zaman sidelined due to injury, Imam-ul-Haq was brought in but failed to impress. While Saud Shakeel and captain Babar Azam managed to notch half-centuries, their contributions were not enough to make a decisive impact. Mohammad Rizwan, despite a century in the home tri-series before the tournament, has struggled to find his rhythm.
The middle order has been stagnant, with Khushdil Shah, Salman Agha, and Tayyab Tahir appearing to play similar roles without adding much dynamism. All-rounder Faheem Ashraf, who could have provided some balance, has not been given a chance so far. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s pace attack has been underwhelming. Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf were taken apart by India, while Naseem Shah, though relatively better, has not been at his best. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed has shown glimpses of promise but remains one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing campaign.
Bangladesh’s Familiar Woes: Fragile Batting and Overburdened Bowlers
Bangladesh’s story has been strikingly similar to Pakistan’s, barring their slightly more disciplined pace attack. Their batting lineup has lacked versatility, failing to shift gears effectively. The top order collapsed against India, and against New Zealand, offspinner Michael Bracewell dismantled the middle order. Najmul Hossain Shanto has shown flashes of form, while Jaker Ali has been consistent in the lower-middle order, but more will be required from them against Pakistan.
Towhid Hridoy, who impressed with a century against India, will once again be a key player. However, veteran batters Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah, possibly playing their final ICC tournament, will be expected to step up and leave a lasting impact.
Bangladesh’s bowling has been slightly more effective than Pakistan’s. Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana have shouldered the majority of the burden, while Mustafizur Rahman has remained steady without being exceptional. The spin duo of Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Rishad Hossain will have a crucial role to play, especially in Rawalpindi’s conditions.
Looking Beyond This Tournament: The Road Ahead
While both teams will be focused on securing a consolation win, the bigger picture involves reassessing their strategies at the domestic level to build stronger international squads. With both teams possibly heading toward a transitional phase, long-term planning will be essential ahead of the next ICC tournament.
Players to Watch: Abrar Ahmed and Jaker Ali
Abrar Ahmed (Pakistan) – The leg-spinner grabbed headlines with his stunning delivery to dismiss Shubman Gill but has also been one of Pakistan’s few positives in recent weeks. His ability to take wickets while maintaining an economical spell will be crucial, though Bangladesh handled him well during last year’s Test match in Rawalpindi.
Jaker Ali (Bangladesh) – In just seven ODIs, Jaker has established himself as a reliable lower-middle order batter, averaging over 50 with two half-centuries. He has been instrumental in finishing innings strongly and could also provide a wicketkeeping option if Bangladesh decides to tweak their playing XI.
Possible Team Changes: Fresh Faces on the Cards?
Pakistan might consider resting one of their premier fast bowlers, potentially handing a chance to Mohammad Hasnain or Faheem Ashraf. Usman Khan and Kamran Ghulam are also available if the team decides to experiment with their batting lineup.
Pakistan’s Probable XI: Imam-ul-Haq/Usman Khan, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi/Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, is expected to stick with the same XI that played against New Zealand.
Bangladesh’s Probable XI: Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana.
Match Conditions: Weather May Play Spoilsport
Pakistan will hope that their final game in their home Champions Trophy campaign is not washed out. With rain in the forecast and the pitch under covers for an extended period, conditions could be tricky for both teams. The previous game at this venue between South Africa and Australia was abandoned due to persistent rain.
Key Statistics and Trivia
- This is the first-ever Pakistan vs Bangladesh clash in Champions Trophy history.
- The only previous ODI between the two sides in Rawalpindi was in 2003, where Pakistan emerged victorious.
- Pakistan has a dominant 12-0 record against Bangladesh in home ODIs.
- Bangladesh’s fast bowlers have performed slightly better in this tournament, taking 11 wickets at an average of 44.83 and an economy rate of 5.12. In contrast, Pakistan’s pacers have struggled with an average of 63.50 and an economy rate of 7.18.
As both teams prepare for their final showdown, they will not only look to end their tournament on a high but also gain insights into what needs to change moving forward. Whether the match proceeds as planned or gets affected by rain, it remains an opportunity for players to showcase their skills and set the stage for future improvements.
