Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan On Cusp Of Huge UNWANTED Record Ahead Of Bangladesh Clash

Add as a preferred source on Google

Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan's Champions Trophy 2025 campaign has been nothing short of a disaster, as they faced an early exit from the prestigious eight-team tournament.

Hosting their first ICC event in 29 years, Pakistan's journey came to an abrupt halt within just five days, marking one of their worst performances in a major ICC competition.

The Men in Green endured a horror start, suffering consecutive defeats against New Zealand and arch-rivals India. Their only hope of survival rested on New Zealand beating Bangladesh, but the Blackcaps secured a dominant five-wicket win, courtesy of a stunning century by Rachin Ravindra and a four-wicket haul from Michael Bracewell. This result officially knocked both Pakistan and Bangladesh out of the tournament while confirming India and New Zealand's places in the semifinals.

With their final group-stage match against Bangladesh now a dead rubber, Pakistan will only be playing for pride. However, this game also presents a massive risk-they could become the first defending champions in Champions Trophy history to exit without securing a single point. A loss to Bangladesh would cement this unwanted distinction, putting them in an embarrassing position.

Australia, the 2009 winners, also failed to claim a win in the 2013 edition, but they at least managed a point due to a washed-out game. Pakistan, on the other hand, could suffer the ignominy of a complete whitewash in the group stage.

The Men in Green's underwhelming campaign has already placed them among a rare group of hosts who failed to register a single victory in an ICC event. The only other instance of this happening was Kenya in the 2000 edition. Additionally, their last-place finish in the group stage mirrors South Africa's disappointing exit as hosts in 2009.

With nothing but pride left to play for, Pakistan will be desperate to avoid adding another unwanted record to their name when they take on Bangladesh in their final fixture. However, given their recent form, the road ahead doesn't look any easier.