Rawalpindi: Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign came to an abrupt end on Monday after New Zealand secured a five-wicket victory over Bangladesh at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The result confirmed semifinal berths for India and New Zealand from Group A, leaving Pakistan and Bangladesh without a point after two matches each.
India and New Zealand, both unbeaten, will now face off on March 2 in Dubai to determine the group topper. Meanwhile, Pakistan and Bangladesh will play a consolation match on February 27 in Rawalpindi, with only pride at stake.
Pakistan’s slim hopes of advancing hinged on New Zealand losing to Bangladesh, but the Black Caps ensured their progress with a clinical performance. After restricting Bangladesh to 236/9, New Zealand rode on Rachin Ravindra’s stellar century—112 off 105 balls, including 12 fours and a six—to chase down the target with 23 balls to spare.
Pakistan’s elimination marks a stark contrast to their victorious run in the last Champions Trophy held in 2017, where they defeated India by 180 runs in the final at The Oval. This time, an early exit in the group stage will be a tough reality for the co-hosts, who had high hopes of making an impact in front of their home fans.
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