Persistent Rain Ends Pakistan and Bangladesh’s Campaigns Winless
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match between hosts Pakistan and Bangladesh was abandoned due to persistent rain in Rawalpindi on Thursday, with no play possible at any stage of the match.
Heavy Rain Washes Out the Game
Heavy showers throughout the day prevented even the toss from taking place, crushing the hopes of cricket fans who were anticipating an exciting contest between the two teams. With conditions showing no signs of improvement, match officials had no choice but to call off the match without a single ball being bowled.
As a result, both Pakistan and Bangladesh finished their Champions Trophy campaigns winless, placing them at the bottom of the points table, and their journey in the tournament came to a disappointing early end.
Weather Conditions and Match Abandonment
The rain, which started intermittently overnight, caused significant delays as dark clouds loomed over the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Umpires Adrian Holdstock (South Africa) and Michael Gough (England) were scheduled to inspect the playing conditions once the rain stopped, but continuous downpours made that impossible.
Given the unrelenting weather conditions, match officials ultimately declared the match abandoned, marking an unfortunate exit for both teams.
Impact on Group Standings
With this match being washed out, both Pakistan and Bangladesh ended their campaigns without a single victory, resulting in their elimination from the tournament. India and New Zealand had already advanced to the semi-finals from Group A, leaving no room for Pakistan or Bangladesh to progress further.
Meanwhile, in Group B, the battle for the remaining semi-final spots is still ongoing, with South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan competing for a place in the knockout stage. England, however, has already been eliminated from contention.
Weather Report: Conditions in Rawalpindi
According to Accuweather, Rawalpindi was forecasted to experience:
- Cloudy skies with intermittent rain throughout the day.
- Temperatures around 18°C.
- Winds blowing at 5 km/h.
This unfavorable weather was expected to affect gameplay, much like how the South Africa vs Australia match was abandoned at the same venue.
Pitch Report: Batting Paradise Affected by Rain
Before the rain, Rawalpindi’s pitch was expected to be a flat batting track, known for producing high-scoring games. However, with overcast skies and moisture seeping into the surface, the conditions could have favored fast bowlers.
Key Pitch Factors:
- Flat pitch ideal for batting.
- Fast bowlers might get swing and movement due to moisture.
- Limited assistance for spinners.
Pakistan vs Bangladesh: Head-to-Head Record in ODIs
Pakistan and Bangladesh have had a competitive history in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Here is a summary of their previous encounters:
Overall ODI Record
- Matches Played: 39
- Pakistan Wins: 34
- Bangladesh Wins: 5
- Matches Lost (Pakistan): 5
- Matches Lost (Bangladesh): 34
Despite Pakistan’s dominant record, Bangladesh has managed to cause upsets, especially in ICC tournaments.
Pakistan vs Bangladesh in ICC Tournaments
ICC Cricket World Cup
The two teams have clashed three times in the Cricket World Cup:
- 31 May 1999 (Northampton) – Bangladesh won by 62 runs.
- 11 March 2011 (Dhaka) – Pakistan won by 58 runs.
- 05 July 2019 (London) – Pakistan won by 94 runs.
ICC Champions Trophy
Pakistan and Bangladesh have met only once in the Champions Trophy:
- 2004 (Birmingham): Pakistan won by 9 wickets.
Last Five ODI Encounters Between Pakistan and Bangladesh
| Date | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Oct 2023 | Kolkata | Pakistan | Won by 7 wickets |
| 06 Sep 2023 | Lahore | Pakistan | Won by 7 wickets |
| 05 Jul 2019 | London | Pakistan | Won by 94 runs |
| 26 Sep 2018 | Abu Dhabi | Bangladesh | Won by 37 runs |
| 22 Apr 2015 | Mirpur | Bangladesh | Won by 8 wickets |
What This Means for the Teams
With Pakistan aiming to maintain its dominance and Bangladesh looking to change history, this Champions Trophy 2025 match was expected to be an exciting clash. However, the weather had other plans, bringing disappointment to fans and players alike.
FAQs
1. Why was the Pakistan vs Bangladesh match abandoned?
The match was abandoned due to persistent rain, which prevented play from starting at any point.
2. How does the match abandonment affect the points table?
Both Pakistan and Bangladesh remain winless, meaning they finished at the bottom of Group A and were eliminated from the tournament.
3. Who has qualified for the semi-finals from Group A?
India and New Zealand have secured their places in the semi-finals from Group A.
4. Has weather affected other matches in the Champions Trophy 2025?
Yes, the South Africa vs Australia match was also abandoned due to rain at the same venue in Rawalpindi.
5. What is the head-to-head record between Pakistan and Bangladesh in ODIs?
Pakistan has won 34 out of 39 ODIs against Bangladesh, while Bangladesh has won 5 times.
