Losing to tournament favorites India and New Zealand reigning champions and host Pakistan and 2017 semi finalists Bangladesh got knocked out after playing games out of the three each at group stage. They will meet each other to determine which team will finish at the bottom of the group. Former players, cricket analysts and fan followers in Pakistan and Bangladesh are bitterly criticizing the selection strategy of the squads and commitments of players. India and New Zealand appeared far better prepared and dominated the matches. India played both the matches at their chosen venue Dubai, New Zealand played in Pakistan. New Zealand won a tri nation ODI series featuring Pakistan, South Africa and New Zealand just before the tournament.

What Went Wrong with Pakistan?

Pakistan as the reigning champions of Champions trophy 2017 was expected to perform much better. But the selection of the squad is being bitterly criticized. Wickets in Pakistan at Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi are flat. At Dubai however wicket favors spin. Pakistan is the only team in the tournament which included only one specialist spinner Abrar Ahmed. It is not that Pakistan does not have quality spinners. Sajid, Noman Sufian in the recent past proved match winners. Even then Pakistan squad was pace heavy. Pakistan had no genuine openers. Fakhar Zaman returned to international cricket after a while and makeshift opener Babar Azam was asked to open. The team did not have all-rounders and had a long tail. India and New Zealand proved too strong for Pakistan. 

Bangladesh Lacked Preparation 

Bangladesh think tank lacked imagination in selection and BCB failed to arrange ideal preparation for the team. The squad did not include their world class players Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan for silly reasons and missed class opener Litton Kumar Das. They did not have any preparation for world class ODI cricket. BCB did not sincerely try to persuade Tamim and could not manage issues with star all rounder Shakib. Playing a below par T20 franchise BPL 2025 was not ideal for them. Bangladesh top and middle order batted poorly in both the matches. Towhid Hridoy in the first match against India and Nazmul Hossain Shanto were saving grace. Bangladesh could not score enough runs in the matches for their quality bowling unit to defend. 

In the first match against India Bangladesh was reduced to 35/5. Had Rohit did not floor a sitter in the slip of Zaker Ali Onik of the bowling of Axar Patel Bangladesh could be bundled out cheaply. However, Tawhid Hridoy and Zaker Ali recorded the highest partnership of the tournament. However, the total was too little to less against formidable India. Yet taking 4 Indian wickets and making them sweat for runs Bangladesh could prove a point that another 25 -30 runs to their tally could make the match competitive. 

Bangladesh started well against New Zealand with openers Tanzid Tamim and Nazmul Shanto were quickly off their blocks. But once the partnership was broken with Tanzid getting out Mehedi Miraj, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riad fell like a pack of cards. Shanto held the innings together. He was helped by Zaker Ali. Yet 236/9 was at least 50 runs short at batting friendly Rawalpindi wicket. 

Bangladesh picked up Will Young and Kane Williamson early. But Rachin Ravindra (112), Tom Latham (55) and Devon Conway (30) rallying round led Kiwis to 5 wickets victory. Bangladesh hopes for repeating a 2017 win against New Zealand was dashed and a dream for moving into the semi final got blown away. 

Team Standing (25/02/2025) 

Group A 

Group B 

Leaders of group B South Africa and Australia meets today at Rawalpindi to decide which team leads the group. There is still a plenty to play in the group yet. 

BDST: 1207 HRS, FEB 25, 2025
MN