RAWALPINDI: New Zealand has once again dashed Pakistan’s hopes, this time sealing their exit from the Champions Trophy.
A packed crowd at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Monday still carried the disappointment of Pakistan’s loss to India the night before. Fans had turned their hopes toward Bangladesh, knowing their performance could determine Pakistan’s fate. Every boundary Bangladesh hit was met with loud cheers—until their innings ended at 236-9, leaving spectators uncertain.
Hope was reignited when Taskin Ahmed bowled out New Zealand opener Will Young, who had tormented Pakistan with a century in the tournament opener. The excitement grew as Kane Williamson edged a delivery from Nahid Rana to the keeper, leaving New Zealand at 15-2 and Pakistan with a slim chance of survival.
However, Rachin Ravindra soon extinguished any lingering hopes. Just a day after Pakistan’s painful loss to India, a player of Indian heritage delivered the final blow. Ravindra’s exceptional century, despite a couple of dropped catches, secured his team’s dominance. By the time he was dismissed for 112 off 105 balls—including 12 boundaries and a six—New Zealand was firmly in control.
Ravindra, who had missed the opening match due to a concussion, returned to haunt Pakistan. His injury had come from a failed catch attempt during a tri-series preceding the Champions Trophy—an event where New Zealand had already deflated Pakistan’s spirits by defeating them in the final.
Pakistan entered the tri-series riding high on victories against Australia and South Africa. Their optimism was evident in grand celebrations marking the renovation of Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Karachi’s National Bank Stadium. But their momentum took a hit when New Zealand clinched wins in both cities, foreshadowing the struggles Pakistan would face in the Champions Trophy.
The Kiwis reinforced their dominance with a 60-run victory in the tournament opener. Ravindra, speaking after their latest win, acknowledged New Zealand’s streak of success against Pakistan. “We’ve been fortunate to play good cricket and get into strong positions,” he said.
With Pakistan now eliminated, Ravindra hoped the local fans would rally behind New Zealand for the rest of the tournament. “The crowd has been great,” he noted. “It really enhances the atmosphere of every game.”
New Zealand now turns its attention to India in Dubai, as both teams advance to the semi-finals from Group A, leaving Pakistan and Bangladesh behind.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s early exit, New Zealand’s Tom Latham emphasized his team’s focus. “Our priority is always to play our best cricket, regardless of the opposition,” he stated.
Regardless of their result against India, New Zealand is set to play the semi-final in Lahore, a venue where they have thrived. Spinner Michael Bracewell, who took 4-28 against Bangladesh, believes their familiarity with the conditions will be an advantage. “We’ve spent a good amount of time here in recent years,” Bracewell said. “It’s been an enjoyable place to play, and we’re looking forward to the semi-final.”
Pakistan, on the other hand, has struggled even in home conditions. Some loyal fans continued waving the national flag in the Shoaib Akhtar stand, hoping for a better showing in their final, now-meaningless, group match against Bangladesh on Thursday.
Despite having only pride left to play for, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto assured there would be no complacency. “We always aim to win,” he said. “The crowd’s support has been incredible, and we hope they continue cheering for us.”
