RAWALPINDI: New Zealand once again proved to be Pakistan’s stumbling block, officially ending their Champions Trophy campaign.
A large crowd gathered at Pindi Cricket Stadium on Monday, still reeling from Pakistan’s heartbreaking loss to India the night before. With Pakistan’s fate resting in Bangladesh’s hands, the fans passionately cheered every boundary they scored. However, the enthusiasm dimmed as Bangladesh managed only 236-9.
Hope was briefly reignited when Taskin Ahmed bowled out Will Young, who had tormented Pakistan with a century in the tournament opener. The crowd erupted again when Kane Williamson edged one to the keeper, leaving New Zealand at 15-2 and Pakistan with a slim chance of survival.
Then came Rachin Ravindra, who crushed any lingering Pakistani hopes. A day after Pakistan’s loss to India, a player with Indian roots delivered the final blow to their campaign. His magnificent century—112 off 105 balls, including 12 boundaries and a six—sealed the fate of the match. Though he was dropped twice, his innings ensured New Zealand’s victory long before his dismissal.
Ravindra had missed the tournament opener due to a concussion sustained while attempting a catch in the preceding tri-series. That same series had seen New Zealand deny Pakistan a trophy by defeating them in the final.
Pakistan had entered the tri-series riding high on ODI series wins in Australia and South Africa, sparking optimism. However, New Zealand dashed those hopes by securing victories in both Lahore and Karachi. Their dominance continued into the Champions Trophy opener, where they handed Pakistan a crushing 60-run defeat.
Speaking after the match, Ravindra smiled when asked about New Zealand’s habit of derailing Pakistan’s ambitions. “We’ve been fortunate to play good cricket, execute our plans, and put ourselves in winning positions,” he said.
With Pakistan out of the tournament, Ravindra hoped New Zealand would now receive strong crowd support. “The fans have been great to us. Playing in front of a passionate crowd always enhances the atmosphere,” he added.
New Zealand now shifts its focus to a high-stakes clash against India in Dubai, with both teams securing semi-final spots from Group ‘A’ at the expense of Pakistan and Bangladesh.
New Zealand batter Tom Latham dismissed concerns about Pakistan’s exit lowering local interest in the tournament. “We aim to play our best cricket, regardless of the opposition. That’s been our focus, and we’re satisfied with how we’ve performed,” he stated.
Regardless of their result against India, New Zealand will play their semi-final in Lahore. Their familiarity with conditions in Pakistan, as emphasized by spinner Michael Bracewell—who took 4-28 against Bangladesh—could prove advantageous. “We’ve spent considerable time here in recent years, so we understand the conditions well. It’s been a great experience, and we’re looking forward to the semi-final,” Bracewell said.
For New Zealand, Pakistan has become a happy hunting ground. For the home team, however, even familiar conditions seem foreign.
Despite Pakistan’s absence from Monday’s game, fans continued waving national flags in the Shoaib Akhtar stand. More will be there when Pakistan faces Bangladesh in their last group match on Thursday, a contest with nothing but pride at stake.
Bangladesh, however, is determined to fight till the end. “We always aim to win, and this match will be no different,” said Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hussain Shanto. “The crowd support was incredible today, and we hope to see the same energy on Thursday.”
