Nothing great: Host Pakistan has had an underwhelming campaign.
| Photo Credit: AFP
The sun played hide and seek on an otherwise dark and gloomy Wednesday afternoon as Pakistan players got into training ahead of their final group league fixture against Bangladesh.
But another round of drizzle forced the players to abruptly end their football session and rush to the dressing room, before eventually calling off the session.
Having already crashed out of the Champions Trophy, it’s pride at stake for both the teams in a dead rubber at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, and as Pakistan head coach Aaqib Javed points out, his team wants to move on and sign off the campaign on a winning note.
However, with a spell of rain expected across the city on Thursday, it will be interesting to see whether there will be a full game or another abandonment on the lines of the fixture between Australia and South Africa.
The groundstaff covered the square throughout and was confident of getting the game going if there were no further rain.
But even if the game goes ahead as per schedule, it will be a challenge for the players to motivate themselves and get into the groove. At a time when teams are easily breaching the 350-run mark in the 50-over format, Pakistan and Bangladesh have regressed, going down tamely to New Zealand and India.
Though Bangladesh’s fast bowlers, led by Nahid Rana, have produced some fiery spells, the Pakistan pacers have failed to make an impact.
A week ago, the excitement was palpable as a global event returned to Pakistan after nearly three decades, but with the host’s underwhelming performances, the fans have nothing to write home about.
Match starts at 2.30 p.m. IST.
Published – February 26, 2025 06:22 pm IST