PAK vs BAN match: With their Champions Trophy semifinal hopes cornered, Pakistan and Bangladesh will seek redemption in their last group fixture before exiting the tournament. Pakistan Cricket Board faces widespread criticism, after the team’s third consecutive early exit in major white-ball tournaments, further highlighting the need for urgent reforms in performance and management.
Two straight defeats in the early stage of the tournament cost both teams their exit from the tournament and hence forced them to play an insignificant match against each other in their last league match. Pakistan’s fans are furious with their team’s performance, and they are demanding serious reforms to the administration. The last numerical hope that was left for Pakistan after getting defeated by India was also washed out after New Zealand swept Bangladesh in their second group stages match.
PAK vs BAN match Today: Match Preview
Pakistan’s delayed batting acceleration has always been under the radar. The team is unable to meet current batting standards across the cricket fraternity.
Their only in-form batsman Fakhar Zaman was ruled out from the entire tournament due to injury in the first match. Their third consecutive loss in the ICC event has put them under trial especially because they have been losing the game in the same old way. While all the nations prefer to play attacking games these days, Pakistan doesn’t have any power games as of now. And, the proof of their slow game was exposed in front of both New Zealand and India where they played 161 and 147 dot balls in the game against both the teams respectively.
Below-par batting performance, unconventional fielding performance, and nonlustrous bowling unit have made them a team of no worth.
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Host Pakistan Face a River of Criticism After Early Exit
The performance of the flag bearers of the team such as captain Rizwan and Babar Azam has also hampered them with questions. Both were not able to deliver performance in high-stakes games.
The unfortunate exit of Fakhar, who was replaced by Imam-ul-Haq has also not stood out for the team. Pakistan is a team known for its fiery pace bowling unit. But, this time the fire did not erupt and remained under the blocks.
Not only this, but the PCB selection procedure is also questionable. While in both Pakistan and Dubai, the pitch is turning track, the team is stuck with only one spinner, Abrar Ahmed which makes the bowling unit ineffective. The role of spinners in the game is very crucial and was evident in the game between Pakistan and India. While Abrar was bowling on a perfect line and length no other bowler helped him out to put pressure on the Indian batting unit.
Off-field turmoil including fluctuation amongst captains, coaches, and selectors has led to the team’s declining performance over the years.
Bangladesh Despite Good Performances Left with No Semi-Final Hopes
Similar to Pakistan, Bangladesh who reached the semis last time, failed to prove their worth in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Their batting units although shown some promising performance failed to deliver in the most crucial situation. Towhid, skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, and Jaker Ali showed some determination but the rest of the team failed to show their true potential.
Bangladesh despite having a turning track at their home has shown their vulnerable side in the Champions Trophy. They have also been exposed to their incapability in the fielding. They are not up to the mark when it comes to all the three departments of the game.
Although both the teams are coming out of the two consecutive losses. Bangladesh still has the upper hand in the game as they will be up against a shaky Pakistan team in Rawalpindi on Thursday.
Conclusion
Nevertheless, both teams will fight to prove their worth in the PAK vs BAN match and end the tournament on a good note. The game of cricket has always been a unit of learning for everyone. Pakistan and Bangladesh will take their learnings from the Champions Trophy and implement the same in their future ventures. Both teams will play against each other to protect their pride in their last league match.