Champions Trophy 2025: Bangladesh and Pakistan Face Off in Dead Rubber Match

Image credits: Courtesy: AP

The Champions Trophy 2025 has reached its final stages, with several teams already securing their spots in the semi-finals. However, for Bangladesh and Pakistan, the tournament has been a disappointment, with both teams failing to advance to the next round. Despite this, they will face off in a dead rubber match in Rawalpindi, with the aim of finishing their campaign on a positive note. Bangladesh's senior assistant coach, Mohammad Salahuddin, has acknowledged that the team's preparation for the tournament was not ideal, citing the lack of a bilateral ODI series and the short preparation camp at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

Bangladesh's performance in the tournament has been inconsistent, with the team struggling to adapt to the conditions against India and New Zealand. The team's batting lineup has been particularly disappointing, with the exception of a few notable performances from Towhid Hridoy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, and Jaker Ali. The bowling attack, however, has shown some promise, with the team's bowlers fighting hard to defend paltry totals. In contrast, Pakistan's campaign has been marred by poor shot selection, substandard fielding, and untimely injuries. The team's top order has been passive, playing out deliveries in hope rather than intent, and the pace trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf has looked rusty and ineffective.

The match between Bangladesh and Pakistan is expected to be a closely contested one, with both teams seeking to finish their campaign on a high note. The weather forecast suggests that there is a significant chance of rain, which could interrupt the game. The teams are as follows:

• Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice captain), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi
• Bangladesh: Nazmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid, Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wicketkeeper), MD Mahmud Ullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossai Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana

The match is scheduled to start at 2:30 pm IST, and both teams will be looking to put in a strong performance and finish their campaign on a positive note. The Champions Trophy 2025 has been a disappointing tournament for both Bangladesh and Pakistan, but they will be seeking to end it on a high note and salvage some pride.

In conclusion, the match between Bangladesh and Pakistan is expected to be a closely contested one, with both teams seeking to finish their campaign on a high note. The teams will be looking to put in a strong performance and finish their campaign on a positive note, despite the disappointing tournament. The Champions Trophy 2025 has been a learning experience for both teams, and they will be looking to take the lessons learned into future tournaments.

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