Champions Trophy: Pakistan, Bangladesh play for pride in inconsequential game

Two consecutive defeats for both Pakistan and Bangladesh resulted in a group-stage exit for the two teams, who will face-off to conclude their ICC Champions Trophy campaign on Thursday at Rawalpindi.
The inconsequential game offers a chance to the two teams to salvage some pride before exiting the tournament after experiencing the unforgiving nature of the format but have themselves to blame for their ouster from the race to the semis.
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The little mathematic hopes that Pakistan had after their defeat against India ended when the Kiwis sent Bangladesh packing.
Frustrated supporters are demanding comprehensive reforms across Pakistan cricket administration, from the highest levels downwards, just days into the country's first international tournament hosting in nearly three decades.
Pakistan's elimination from the group stages of a major white-ball tournament marks their third consecutive early exit, following similar outcomes in the 2024 T20 World Cup and 2023 ODI World Cup.
While other cricket teams have adopted a bold and attacking style of play, Pakistan's approach appears outdated. Their opening batters display a conservative mindset, consuming deliveries without purposeful intent and delaying acceleration until the 35th over.
Their batting limitations were evident through excessive dot balls - 161 against New Zealand in Rawalpindi and 147 versus India in Dubai, highlighting a concerning lack of scoring momentum.
The team's performance has been further hampered by questionable batting decisions, below-par fielding standards and unfortunate injuries. The absence of dynamic opener Fakhar Zaman due to injury created a significant gap, with his replacement Imam-ul-Haq unable to deliver.
The renowned batter Babar Azam and skipper Mohammad Rizwan have underperformed, failing to deliver crucial performances when the team needed them most.
Traditionally, Pakistan's success has been built upon their potent fast-bowling unit. However, their premier pacers Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf have appeared lacklustre and unimpressive, unable to replicate their previous threatening form.
Off-field turmoil has significantly contributed to the team's decline in performance.
The cricket administration's continuous flux has resulted in frequent changes, with multiple selectors, eight different coaches and four different captains taking charge within a three-year span.
On turning wickets in Dubai and Karachi, Pakistan's puzzling decision to select just one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed, left their bowling attack ineffective.
Similar to Pakistan, Bangladesh, who reached the semifinals in the previous edition, have been eliminated from the competition following consecutive losses to India and New Zealand.
Their batting unit has underperformed, with only occasional displays of determination from Towhid Hridoy, skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and Jaker Ali showing any promise.
Bangladesh, despite having an advantage on turning tracks at home, has shown significant vulnerability against spin bowling, which has been evident throughout this tournament.
Their performance has been hampered by poor execution at crucial stages, with fielding standards falling well below par.
The team's catching has been particularly disappointing across both fixtures. Nevertheless, facing a struggling Pakistan side presents them with a chance to conclude their tournament positively and restore some dignity.