The Champions Trophy is not for the weak-hearted. It’s unforgiving. It’s cruel. One mistake and before you know it, you are out of the tournament. Even if you are the host. Two games in, both Pakistan and Bangladesh found themselves ruled out. Who does one sympathize with more? Pakistan, whose defense campaign ended almost as soon as it began? Or Bangladesh who are regressing consistently in each ICC event? Perhaps one can decide that after seeing how the two sides fare against each other.
Pakistan’s defeats were more comprehensive than what Bangladesh had to endure. Consequently, they are at the bottom of the table. Both teams have nothing in their points column. But this dead rubber of a game could get them at least something as a departing gift.
Team Overview:
Pakistan were in solid form in the build-up to the tournament. They defeat Australia and South Africa, both in their respective backyards. But the same form did not follow them into the tournament. There was no Saim Ayub to provide quick starts and before they could recover from that, they lost Fakhar Zaman too. With both of their fiery players gone, Pakistan was left with a somewhat prosaic top order. The struggle, as a result, was evident. The agony, however, did not end there for them. The bowling lineup was equally clueless in restricting the teams. All in all, Pakistan managed to display some of their worst outings in ODI cricket in recent memory.
There was some form of resistance that Bangladesh displayed against India and New Zealand but their woes easily and convincingly outweighed their efforts. Their batting in both games lacked consistency. Runs came in clusters but wickets fell in the same manner, as a result of which Bangladesh failed to assume a more commanding position in both games. Mushfiqur Rahim, despite his form struggle, was persisted with, thus weakening the middle order immensely. The bowlers, though, did a better job in taking the game deep but with little to no support from the batters, Bangladesh ended up where they are.
Head-to-Head Record:
Pakistan are miles ahead of Bangladesh when it comes to both teams’ head-to-head record in the ODI format. Out of 39 one-day matches, Pakistan have come out as the winner in 34, while Bangladesh outdid them in 5 games.
Weather and Pitch Report:
The game between South Africa and Australia was washed out due to relentless drizzle in Rawalpindi. The forecast for today is not very promising either. Although the sky is still covered in grey clouds, they have yet to open up. Nevertheless, rain or no rain, the ground has been under the covers for the past few days, which could affect the pitch’s batting-friendly nature.
Prediction:
Pakistan would hope to get a consolation win in Rawalpindi, and weather permitting, they could very well get it too.
Where to Watch:
Pakistan: Tapmad, PTV Sport, Ten Sports, Myco App
India: Star Sports Network, Network 18, JioCinema App
UK: Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Action, Sky Sport App
Australia: PrimeVideo
New Zealand: Sky Sports NZ, Sky Sports Now, Sky Go
Afghanistan: ATN
South Africa: SuperSport Network
Bangladesh: Nagorik TV, T Sports, Toffee app
Sri Lanka: Maharaja TV, Sirasa TV
USA: Willow TV
Caribbean: ESPN Caribbean App
MENA: StarzPlay, CricLife Max, CricLife Max 2
