Only pride at stake as Bangladesh and Pakistan prepare to exit Champions Trophy
Context:
New Zealand’s victory over Bangladesh on Monday has turned this clash into nothing but a formality. With neither side able to qualify for the semi-finals this is a battle for the wooden spoon.
Pakistan are the tournament hosts, and they will want to go out with their heads held high. That said, as Bangladesh slowly grow as a cricketing power they are turning into key rivals for Pakistan. Until the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 Bangladesh were known as East Pakistan – there is a complicated history between the two nations and while it is not quite as fierce as that between India and Pakistan, there is still a lot to play for in Thursday’s clash.
Between the two sides they are able to boast one win from their last ten games. That win belongs to Pakistan and it came against a South African side that was missing a host of key players (Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Kahiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen etc). It’s not a lot to get excited about.
Pakistan have never lost an ODI at home to Bangladesh. They have faced each other on 12 occasions in Pakistan and the Tigers have yet to come out on the winning side.
Pakistan v Bangladesh | 9th Match ICC Champions Trophy | Thursday 27 February 2025 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi | 11:00am
Venue
The last game at the venue was the washed-out encounter between South Africa and Australia in a which not a single ball could be bowled. Rain is predicted again on Thursday which is not ideal for either side. If Tuesday’s conditions are replicated it could mean that both sides exit the tournament without a win.
Regardless of whether it rains or not, the effects of the recent rain may well be visible. The outfield could be slower for instance, but more importantly the pitch will have been under the covers for a sustained period. Moisture in the pitch could translate to movement for the quicks which could make batting first interesting.
The sides have faced each other just once previously in Rawalpindi, a game that was won by Pakistan back in 2003.
Recent form (most recent game first):
Pakistan: L, L, L W, L.
Bangladesh: L, L, L, L, L.
Key Players
Pakistan: Babar Azam
It’s hard to know how team selection is likely to work for this game – will they opt to go with their strongest line-up, or will they mix things up and give some of the squad who have yet to have an outing a run. Regardless of what Pakistan do, Babar Azam is likely to play. He is a key player and while he has yet to properly fire at the Champions Trophy, he is the second ranked ODI player in the world, and he is not there for no reason. With the pressure now off, given the dead rubber status of the game, perhaps it will allow Babar to play with a bit more freedom and joy. He is due a big score for Pakistan.
Bangladesh: Jaker Ali
There are a lot of players who owe Bangladesh a big performance before they head home. In what could well be their last major ICC tournament appearances, veterans Mushfiqur Rahim and Mohammad Mahmudullah are two such players, but one player who has been great for them in the tournament is middle-order batsman Jaker Ali. He scored 68 against India and 45 against New Zealand, hitting the ball cleanly and going at run-a-ball. Still a relative newcomer to ODI cricket, he has played seven games in the format, but in that time, he has scored 264 runs at an average of 52.80.
Verdict: Pakistan
Winning this one is about getting the mind right. It is very hard for competitive people to play if there is nothing at stake, which is why the leaders need to ensure they are painting compelling pictures. Pakistan has a proud home record against Bangladesh to defend. They are tournament hosts, and they are better team than the performances they have delivered. Expect them to find their mojo and to exit with a swagger (assuming that any sort of play is possible).
