Pakistan's Home Heartbreak

SPORTS

By Aniket Chakraborty Feb 25, 2025 Arrow

New Zealand and India secured qualification for the semifinals with four points each, which Pakistan and Bangladesh cannot match.

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Bangladesh managed only 236/9 in first innings with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scoring with 77 runs off 110 balls.

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Rachin Ravindra led New Zealand's successful chase with an impressive 112 runs off 105 balls, supported by Tom Latham's 55.

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Pakistan's hopes hinged on Bangladesh beating New Zealand by a large margin, followed by Pakistan defeating Bangladesh.

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The Bangladesh-Pakistan match on February 27 is now a dead-rubber, though Pakistan aims to avoid further embarrassment.

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A group stage exit in Pakistan's first home ICC tournament since 1996 represents a major embarrassment for the team and PCB.

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Reports suggest PCB may sack interim support staff after the tournament, with team potentially losing brand value and sponsorships.

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India and New Zealand will play their final league match on March 2, giving both teams opportunity to rotate players.

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Michael Bracewell was New Zealand's bowling hero against Bangladesh, claiming four wickets to restrict their total.

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