Pakistan’s 2025 Champions Trophy Campaign: A Disappointing Journey
The 2025 Champions Trophy started on a sour note for hosts and defending champions Pakistan. After suffering a 60-run defeat against New Zealand and a subsequent six-wicket loss to India, their hopes of advancing to the semifinals were effectively dashed. The final nail in the coffin came when rain forced the abandonment of their last match against Bangladesh, leaving fans and players alike disheartened.
Fakhar Zaman’s Injury: A Critical Blow
One of the key players for Pakistan, Fakhar Zaman, faced a recurring knee issue that not only sidelined him but also impacted the team’s overall performance. In the match against New Zealand, Zaman batted at No. 4, managing a mere 24 runs off 41 balls, all while visibly struggling with his injury. In hindsight, Zaman admitted that if he had opened the innings while chasing a formidable target of 320 runs, the outcome could have been vastly different.
The Missed Opportunity
Zaman expressed his thoughts candidly, stating, “Had I opened then things could have been different because when you get a big target, then the opener has a big role to play.” His absence in the later matches was palpable, as Pakistan struggled to find stability in their batting order. Imam-ul-Haq was named as his replacement, but the team couldn’t bounce back from the early setbacks.
Looking Ahead
Despite the disappointing tournament, Zaman remains optimistic about his recovery. He noted a marked improvement in his injury and is hopeful of returning to training soon. “The doctor has said that I can start training after three weeks, so I should be back in one month,” he shared. As he gears up for his comeback, Zaman expressed a desire to open the innings, but he respects the decisions of the coaching staff regarding his role.
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