Pakistan and Bangladesh are set to face each other on February 27, 2025, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, marking their last encounter of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Despite both teams already being eliminated from the tournament, having lost their first two matches, they are eager to finish their campaign on a positive note.
Having faced tough opponents, Pakistan and Bangladesh find themselves at the bottom of Group A without any wins. Pakistan’s disastrous start to the tournament saw them fall to New Zealand and India, with the latter match ending with India's six-wicket victory, securing Pakistan's exit from the race for the semifinals.
Bangladesh suffered similar fate, losing both their games against India and New Zealand. While both teams displayed flashes of talent—highlighted by notable performances from Pakistan's Babar Azam and Bangladesh's Towhid Hridoy—their struggles were evident as both fell short significantly against their rivals. This clash, though lacking stakes due to both teams’ elimination, is seen as a matter of national pride, with fans hoping for at least one victory to cheer for.
The match will begin at 2:30 PM IST, with the toss scheduled for 2 PM. Live coverage will be available on Star Sports and streamed online via the JioHotstar app. Fans can expect the pitch at Rawalpindi to offer some assistance to both seamers and spinners, reflecting conditions seen earlier in the tournament.
Notably, the weather forecasts for Rawalpindi predict cloudy skies with chances of rain, which might impact the match proceedings, introducing potential delays or interruptions. Given the high humidity levels, temperatures are expected to linger in the low 20s Celsius.
Team lineups reveal Pakistan likely to field Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, and others. Bangladesh is expected to counter with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim among prominent players. The strategical usage of bowlers, particularly spinners on the Rawalpindi track, could be key, especially if the game progresses past the initial overs.
Despite being termed 'dead rubber,' both teams possess the capacity to deliver exciting performances, aiming to provide their supporters with exhilarating displays of cricket. Pakistan, seeking redemption on home soil, aims to clinch the victory, which would mark the end of the tournament on high spirits.
This match presents unique opportunities for younger players to step up and showcase their potentials without the pressure of knockout scenarios. It’s also the stage for senior players to reflect and regroup for future challenges, using these last moments to build momentum toward upcoming matches.
Pakistan and Bangladesh both come with seasoned players and if the weather allows, there might be thrilling moments waiting to be captured at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
With all eyes on this final group fixture, cricket fans will hope for clear skies and exciting cricket as these two teams bid to paint their tournament experiences with at least one bright spot before heading home.