Image: Mohammad Rizwan admitted their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign is nearly over / © News18
For the Pakistan cricket team, hopes of reaching the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinals have dimmed after a six-wicket defeat to India on February 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Pakistan managed 241 runs in 49.4 overs, with Saud Shakeel scoring 62 off 76 balls. India comfortably chased the target with 45 balls to spare, powered by Virat Kohli’s 51st ODI century. Kuldeep Yadav took three wickets, while Hardik Pandya claimed two.
In the post-match press conference, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan admitted that qualification now depends on other results, particularly New Zealand’s matches against Bangladesh and India. Pakistan must beat Bangladesh in their final group-stage game on February 27 and hope New Zealand suffers heavy defeats. Currently, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh are fighting for a semifinal spot, with net run rate likely to decide the qualifier.
Rizwan praised Kohli’s work ethic saying: “We tried our best to get him out, but we couldn’t”. Pakistan’s chances now rely on a “miracle”, as Rizwan put it, making their path to the knockout stage extremely challenging. India faces New Zealand on March 2, a match that could further complicate Pakistan’s qualification scenario.