Rawalpindi: Pakistan will take on Bangladesh in their final match of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Although neither team can advance to the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, there remains significant motivation for both sides.
Playing in front of their home crowd, Pakistan will strive to avoid finishing their tournament without a victory. Meanwhile, Bangladesh aims to demonstrate their competitiveness at this level.
The two teams will clash in Rawalpindi, each seeking to avoid the last position in Group A.
Recent form:
Pakistan: The situation is grim for Pakistan, who will not be able to defend their 2017 Champions Trophy title after suffering consecutive defeats. They lost to New Zealand by 60 runs in their opening match, followed by a six-wicket defeat to India in Dubai. Captain Mohammad Rizwan has pointed to 'mistakes' as a key factor in their losses, which will be a critical focus against Bangladesh.
Bangladesh: The Tigers have struggled to find success in ODIs recently, having lost all three matches in their series against the West Indies. They have also dropped both of their Champions Trophy matches so far, largely due to inconsistent batting, an aspect they will aim to improve against Pakistan.
Players in focus:
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan
As the captain of Pakistan's Champions Trophy team, Rizwan is expected to demonstrate leadership both in his role as captain and with the bat. He managed to score a determined 46 runs off 77 balls against India, partnering with Saud Shakeel to establish a competitive total. However, the innings deteriorated quickly after their dismissals. Rizwan understands that he must contribute significantly with the bat if Pakistan aims to conclude their tournament on a positive note.
Bangladesh: Mehidy Hasan Miraz
In his capacity as an all-rounder, Miraz has the opportunity to be a key player for Bangladesh. The right-arm off-spinner is currently the highest-ranked ODI bowler for Bangladesh (27th) and bats higher in the order. However, the 27-year-old has yet to make an impact in either aspect during the Champions Trophy, accumulating only 18 runs across two innings and failing to take a wicket in 20 overs.
Squads:
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Bangladesh: Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, MD Mahmud Ullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana.
