Bangladesh and Pakistan exit Champions Trophy

Bangladesh and Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaigns has come to an abrupt end after New Zealand secured a five-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. This result not only eliminated both teams from the tournament but also confirmed India and New Zealand’s progression to the semifinals from Group A. 

The tournament, hosted by Pakistan after a 29-year hiatus of ICC events in the country, turned into a nightmare for the home team. Their journey in the Champions Trophy was short-lived, ending just six days into the competition. Their campaign began with a 60-run defeat to New Zealand in Karachi, followed by a crushing six-wicket loss to India in Dubai. These back-to-back defeats left Pakistan at the bottom of Group A with zero points and a negative net run rate of -1.087. 

Bangladesh’s fate was similarly sealed after their loss to New Zealand. Despite a strong start in their match against the Kiwis, reaching 64/1 in the 12th over, they were restricted to a modest 236/9. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scored with 77, but Michael Bracewell’s impressive bowling figures of 4/26 kept Bangladesh in check. 

New Zealand’s chase was initially shaky, with Will Young dismissed for a duck and Kane Williamson falling cheaply for five. However, Rachin Ravindra, returning from a head injury, played a match-winning innings of 112 off 105 deliveries. His century, coupled with Tom Latham’s 55, guided New Zealand to victory and a spot in the semifinals. 

For Pakistan, hosting an ICC tournament after nearly three decades only to become the first team eliminated has been labeled an embarrassment by fans. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering sacking the interim support staff led by Aaqib Javed, and the team may face the potential loss of brand value and sponsorships. 

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan had already conceded that their tournament was “as good as over” after the loss to India, expressing his disappointment at having to depend on other teams’ results. The team’s weaknesses were brutally exposed throughout the tournament, with batting collapses, ineffective bowling, and fielding woes contributing to their downfall. 

With Bangladesh and Pakistan eliminated, the remaining Group A match between these two teams on February 27 has been reduced to a dead rubber, while India and New Zealand will face off on March 2 to determine the group’s top spot.