Champions Trophy 2024/25, PAK vs BAN 9th Match, Group A Match Preview - Pakistan and Bangladesh look

Pakistan and Bangladesh face off in their final Champions Trophy match in Rawalpindi, both looking to salvage pride after disappointing performances. Pakistan’s batting, especially the top order, has struggled, and injuries have impacted team selection. In contrast, Bangladesh’s batting has been inconsistent, relying heavily on their lower order. Key players like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah might be making their last appearances in ICC tournaments. Rain is forecasted, raising concerns about match conditions. Both teams must reflect on their domestic circuits and enhance future international prospects. The encounter marks the first Champions Trophy clash between the two nations.

Overview: Pakistan and Bangladesh aim for dry skies

Neither Pakistan nor Bangladesh have had a memorable tournament, and discussions prior to their final match against each other in Rawalpindi will likely center around playing for pride among other sentiments. With concerns about ongoing poor weather – expected as per the forecast – the mood in both dressing rooms may sour further.

Pakistan’s performance in Champions Trophy matches against New Zealand and India has been disappointing. The top-order batsmen have struggled to deliver. With Fakhar Zaman sidelined due to injury, Imam-ul-Haq came in but failed to make an impact. Both Saud Shakeel and Babar Azam have scored half-centuries, but their contributions have been minimal. Mohammad Rizwan, despite a century in the tri-series at home before the Champions Trophy, has not shown any form. Pakistan might contemplate bringing in Kamran Ghulam for a fresh approach, but the decision on who to drop remains challenging.

The situation doesn’t improve after the top four. Khushdil Shah, Salman Agha, and Tayyab Tahir are playing similar roles, resulting in stagnation in the middle order. Faheem Ashraf, possibly a balancing factor for the team, has not yet been utilized. Additionally, the fast bowlers have struggled with consistency, as evidenced when Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf were dismantled by India. While Naseem Shah has performed better, he has still not been at his peak. Abrar Ahmed showcased his potential with one exceptional delivery, though it was overshadowed by his celebration.

Bangladesh’s situation is not much different, aside from their fast bowling prowess. Their batting has appeared one-dimensional, lacking dynamism, which resulted in the lower order having to rescue them on occasions. They faltered against India, and Michael Bracewell’s offspin dismantled their middle order in another game. Najmul Hossain Shanto displayed some form against New Zealand, while Jaker Ali has been a reliable performer – both need to elevate their games against Pakistan. Towhid Hridoy, having scored an impressive century against India, also needs to contribute significantly.

They will be counting on experienced players like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah to make a statement in what could be their final ICC appearance, rather than going out quietly. However, their lack of fire in performances has been noticeable, particularly in Mahmudullah’s case where it was just one match and one failure.

Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana will need to step up again on Thursday, with Mustafizur Rahman proving to be consistently reliable yet not spectacular. The leading spinners, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Rishad Hossain, also carry significant responsibility, especially in Rawalpindi where they are expected to play a more pivotal role.

Both teams will need to look past this game for future improvements. They must prioritize their domestic circuits and work towards enhancing their international squads. Heading into the next ICC tournament, they will need to reevaluate their strategies and consider a transition phase that may be on the horizon.

Recent performances

Pakistan LLLWL (last five completed ODIs, most recent first)
Bangladesh LLLLL

Featured players: Abrar Ahmed and Jaker Ali

Abrar Ahmed’s memorable delivery to dismiss Shubman Gill gained significant attention, but he has emerged as a rare positive for Pakistan over the past weeks, consistently posing a wicket-taking threat while also being economical. However, Bangladesh successfully managed him during the Rawalpindi Test last year, so it will be intriguing to see how he performs on Thursday.

Jaker Ali has been a standout performer for Bangladesh in the lower-middle order lately. Present in just seven ODIs, he boasts an impressive average of over 50 with two fifties to his name. He is a formidable hitter during the death overs, often finding boundaries, although he would benefit from another specialist batter alongside him at times. Additionally, Jaker can provide wicketkeeping if Bangladesh opts to adjust their lineup and consider leaving out Mushfiqur.

Team updates: Will any changes be made?

Is there a possibility that Pakistan might omit one of their star fast bowlers to provide opportunities for Mohammad Hasnain or Faheem Ashraf? They also have batting alternatives in Usman Khan and Kamran Ghulam.

Pakistan (projected): 1 Imam-ul-Haq/Usman Khan, 2 Babar Azam, 3 Saud Shakeel, 4 Mohammad Rizwan (capt, wk), 5 Salman Agha, 6 Tayyab Tahir, 7 Khushdil Shah, 8 Shaheen Shah Afridi/Mohammad Hasnain, 9 Naseem Shah, 10 Haris Rauf, 11 Abrar Ahmed

Bangladesh (projected): 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), 3 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 4 Tohwid Hridoy, 5 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Jaker Ali, 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Taskin Ahmed, 10 Mustafizur Rahman, 11 Nahid Rana

Conditions and pitch: Weather concerns

Pakistan will be hoping that their exit from the Champions Trophy isn’t marred by rain. Forecasts indicate rain is possible; the previous match at the venue between South Africa and Australia was also abandoned due to the weather. By the time the game starts, the pitch will have been covered for several days, potentially leading to excess moisture on the square.

Trivia and stats: Slight advantage for Bangladesh’s pace attack

This marks the first confrontation between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Champions Trophy history.
In their only previous ODI match in Rawalpindi in 2003, Pakistan emerged victorious over Bangladesh.
Pakistan holds an unblemished home record of 12-0 against Bangladesh in ODIs.
While fast bowlers from both teams have claimed 11 wickets, the bowling averages for Bangladesh’s group stand at 44.83 with an economy of 5.12 runs per over, whereas Pakistan’s averages are less favorable at 63.50 with an economy rate of 7.18.

Mohammad Isam is ESPNcricinfo’s Bangladesh correspondent. @isam84

Champions Trophy 2024/25, PAK vs BAN 9th Match, Group A Match Preview – Pakistan and Bangladesh look – or hope