Credit: X
Hosts Pakistan have become the first team to be eliminated from the Champions Trophy 2025 after New Zealand’s five-wicket win against Bangladesh in the sixth game of the tournament played in Rawalpindi on February 24. Pakistan’s elimination was celebrated by the fans of their arch-rivals India. Back on February 23, the defending champions recorded their second loss of the competition with their crushing six-wicket defeat against the Men in Blue at the iconic Dubai International Stadium. The Kiwi side’s success against Bangladesh has also made them the first team to qualify for the knockouts alongside India.
After failing to qualify for the knockouts, Pakistan fans heavily criticised their team’s performance but India supporters looked elated and trolled the Men in Green for their miserable performance. Taking to X, a user named Vishal posted Babar Azam’s picture at an airport and wrote, “Presenting Pakistan cricket became the first team to go back home in a home tournament and watch rest for the matches.” Another user Harsh posted a clip of Virat Kohlis’ famous six against Haris Rauf from the T20 World Cup 2022 and wrote, “Pakistan cricket team never recovered after this. #INDvPAK #ViratKohli.”
Pakistan to play for pride against Bangladesh on February 27
Pakistan and Bangladesh will play for pride in Rawalpindi on February 27. The hosts are facing the anger of their fans after losing consecutive games and they will look to conclude their campaign with a victory. Noting Pakistan’s disheartening performances in back-to-back ODI events, their former players are demanding massive reforms in the team to get effective results in the future.
Bangladesh, who were looking to perform turnarounds in the competition, have also struggled in the tournament thus far. Their batting has looked out of rhythm which has led to their elimination from the competition. Both Asian sides last met each other in World Cup 2023 at Eden Gardens where the 1992 champions walked back victorious with their seven-wicket win.
