Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy defense ended poorly as their final match was abandoned due to rain. With injuries to key players disrupting their campaign, the team finished last in Group A. Captain Rizwan acknowledged the need for improvement and emphasized learning from past mistakes as they prepare for their New Zealand tour.
Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy title defense ended disappointingly when their final group stage match against New Zealand was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain. After back-to-back losses against New Zealand and India, the team, led by Mohammad Rizwan, found themselves at the bottom of Group A with just one point.
Captain Rizwan acknowledged that the absence of key players Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman due to injury disrupted the team’s balance. He expressed the disappointment of failing to meet high expectations, stating, “We wanted to do well and perform well in front of our nation. The expectations are very high. We didn’t perform well and it is disappointing for us.”
Rizwan further elaborated on the impact of Ayub’s injury, who has been a standout performer in recent months, stating, “The team was combined and then suddenly when someone is injured, the team will be disturbed.” He reflected on the challenges of leadership, admitting that while injuries were a setback, they should not serve as an excuse.
Ayub was ruled out of the tournament due to an ankle injury sustained during the South Africa Test series, while Zaman suffered an oblique muscle strain in the opener against New Zealand. Regarding the bench strength of the team, Rizwan emphasized the need for improvements in both player development and professionalism in the domestic circuit, stressing the importance of maintaining high standards.
Looking ahead, Pakistan will tour New Zealand for a five-match T20I and three-ODI series starting March 16. Rizwan expressed hope that the team would learn from their past mistakes, aiming to return stronger in the upcoming matches against the Black Caps, stating, “We have made mistakes in the last few games. Hopefully, we can learn from these.”
The Pakistan cricket team faced a disappointing conclusion to their ICC Champions Trophy campaign, affected by injuries to key players. Captain Mohammad Rizwan acknowledged the challenges of team balance and the need for further improvements in professionalism and standards. As they prepare for the upcoming series in New Zealand, the focus will be on learning from their mistakes and enhancing their performance.
Original Source: www.icc-cricket.com
