Pakistan-Bangladesh match washed out as hosts make meek exit

Pakistan's Imam-ul-Haq (2R) speaks with teammate Haris Rauf (2L) as field umpire Michael Gough (R) inspects the outfield after rain delayed the start of the ICC Champions Trophy one-day international (ODI) cricket match between Pakistan and Bangladesh at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on February 27, 2025. (AFP)
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Updated 27 February 2025
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Pakistan-Bangladesh match washed out as hosts make meek exit

  • Pakistan crashed out of Champions Trophy after losses to New Zealand, India
  • India and New Zealand progress to Champions Trophy semifinals from Group A

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s last Champions Trophy group match with Bangladesh on Thursday was abandoned without a ball being bowled in Rawalpindi because of rain, ensuring the host country’s title defense ended with a wet whimper.
Pakistan, who won the 50-over tournament in 2017, lost to New Zealand and India and finish bottom of Group A.
Their last match had only pride at stake for both teams, with Bangladesh similarly out of the running for the semifinals.
Pakistan’s failure to advance beyond the group phase or even win a game was a huge letdown for a country hosting its first major tournament in three decades.
Pakistan finished fourth and last with one point in three matches, a position below Bangladesh, who also have one point in as many games but a better net run-rate.
Overnight rain in Rawalpindi continued on and off and despite several inspections by the umpires, no play was possible.
India and New Zealand progressed to the semifinals from Group A.
In Group B, South Africa, Australia and Afghanistan compete for the other two semifinal spots. England are out of contention.


Pakistan team creates world record for lowest target defended in first-class cricket

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Pakistan team creates world record for lowest target defended in first-class cricket

  • PTV dismissed Sui Northern Gas for 37 while defending a target of 40, winning the President Trophy
  • Previous record dated back to 1794, when England’s Oldfield defended a 41-run target against MCC

KARACHI: A Pakistan’s domestic team created a world record of defending the lowest target in all first-class cricket when they stopped the opposition in a chase of just 40 runs.

Pakistan Television (PTV), defending champions in the President Trophy, shot Sui Northern Gas (SNGPL) for a paltry 37 to win the match by a mere two runs on day three of the four-day game.

This becomes a new record in 253 years of first-class cricket, beating England’s Oldfield’s 1794 feat when they successfully defended 41 against MCC at the Lord’s Old Ground to win by six runs.

PTV’s head coach Mohammad Waseem praised his team’s historic effort.

“I am delighted with my team’s world record effort,” Waseem, a former Pakistan player, told AFP. “My team’s motto is to never give up, fight till the last ball.

“This is the not the first time, we have won all our three matches coming from well behind by remaining positive in all situations.”

The star-studded SNGPL batting led by Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood were bowled out in 19.4 overs with just one batter Saifullah Bangash crossing double figures with 14.

Masood was out without scoring while Test players, Mohammad Ali made six and spinner Sajid Khan just three.
Pakistan’s international players Omair Bin Yousuf made six and Abdul Samad five.

For the winners, left-arm spinner Ali Usman wrecked the batting with 6-9 and pacer Ammad Butt took 4-28 — the only two bowlers used in their second innings.

SNGPL’s head coach is former Pakistan Test skipper Misbah-ul-Haq with another former captain Azhar Ali their batting coach.