Neither Pakistan nor Bangladesh have had a tournament to remember in the Champions Trophy 2025. As they prepare for their final match against each other in Rawalpindi, both teams will be looking to salvage some pride. However, with adverse weather conditions in the forecast, the frustration in both camps may continue to grow if rain interferes.
Pakistan’s Struggles in the Tournament
Pakistan’s performance against New Zealand and India has been underwhelming. Their top-order batters failed to perform, and with Fakhar Zaman injured, Imam-ul-Haq’s inclusion didn’t bring any significant improvement. Saud Shakeel and Babar Azam have managed one half-century each but failed to create an impact. Mohammad Rizwan, despite scoring a century in the tri-series before the tournament, has struggled to find form. Pakistan might consider bringing in Kamran Ghulam to add freshness to the batting lineup, but deciding whom to drop remains a challenge.
The middle order has also been ineffective, with Khushdil Shah, Salman Agha, and Tayyab Tahir appearing to play similar roles, leading to stagnation. Faheem Ashraf could have provided balance to the team, but he has not been given a chance. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s pace attack has been below par, with Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf being taken apart by India. Naseem Shah has been slightly better but hasn’t been at his best. Spinner Abrar Ahmed bowled one outstanding delivery, but it was overshadowed by his dramatic celebration.
Bangladesh Faces Similar Issues
Bangladesh’s struggles mirror Pakistan’s, except for their relatively better fast bowling. Their batting lineup has lacked versatility, often relying on the lower order to rescue them. The top order collapsed against India, while Michael Bracewell’s off-spin dismantled the middle order in the match against New Zealand. Najmul Hossain Shanto showed promise against New Zealand, and Jaker Ali has been a consistent performer, but they will need to step up even more against Pakistan.
Towhid Hridoy, who impressed with a century against India, will also play a crucial role. Bangladesh will be hoping that senior players like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah can end their ICC tournament journey on a high note, as this could be their last appearance on the big stage. However, Mahmudullah has only played one match so far, and his contribution was minimal.
In the bowling department, Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana will once again shoulder the responsibility, while Mustafizur Rahman has remained steady but not exceptional. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Rishad Hossain, Bangladesh’s main spinners, are expected to play a bigger role in Rawalpindi, where spin could be crucial.
Looking Beyond This Tournament
Both Pakistan and Bangladesh need to reassess their domestic cricket structures to improve their international performances. With another ICC tournament on the horizon, they must return to the drawing board and strategize for the future, especially as both teams are undergoing a transitional phase.
Recent Form
- Pakistan: LLLWL (last five completed ODIs)
- Bangladesh: LLLLL
Players to Watch: Abrar Ahmed and Jaker Ali
- Abrar Ahmed has been one of Pakistan’s few bright spots in the tournament. His ability to take wickets while maintaining a decent economy rate makes him a key player. However, Bangladesh handled him well in the Rawalpindi Test last year, making this an intriguing battle.
- Jaker Ali has been a revelation for Bangladesh in the lower-middle order. In just seven ODIs, he has maintained an average of over 50 with two half-centuries. His ability to find boundaries in the death overs makes him a valuable asset. If Bangladesh decides to experiment with their XI, Jaker could also take up wicketkeeping duties in place of Mushfiqur Rahim.
Possible Team Changes
Pakistan might rest one of their star pacers to give a chance to Mohammad Hasnain or Faheem Ashraf. They also have additional batting options in Usman Khan and Kamran Ghulam.
Pakistan (probable XI):
- Imam-ul-Haq/Usman Khan
- Babar Azam
- Saud Shakeel
- Mohammad Rizwan (capt, wk)
- Salman Agha
- Tayyab Tahir
- Khushdil Shah
- Shaheen Afridi/Mohammad Hasnain
- Naseem Shah
- Haris Rauf
- Abrar Ahmed
Bangladesh is likely to stick with the same lineup from the New Zealand match.
Bangladesh (probable XI):
- Tanzid Hasan
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt)
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Towhid Hridoy
- Mushfiqur Rahim (wk)
- Mahmudullah
- Jaker Ali
- Rishad Hossain
- Taskin Ahmed
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Nahid Rana
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Pakistan will be hoping for clear skies as rain threatens to disrupt their farewell match in their home Champions Trophy campaign. The last game at this venue, between South Africa and Australia, was abandoned due to rain. If the covers remain on for long periods, the extra moisture in the pitch could affect the playing conditions.
Key Statistics
- This is the first-ever Champions Trophy encounter between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
- Pakistan won their only previous ODI against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi in 2003.
- Pakistan holds a perfect 12-0 record against Bangladesh in home ODIs.
- Fast bowlers from both teams have struggled, with Bangladesh’s pace attack having a better average (44.83) and economy rate (5.12) compared to Pakistan’s (63.50 average, 7.18 economy rate).
