Pakistan finds itself on the verge of elimination from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after suffering back-to-back defeats against New Zealand and India. With their semi-final hopes hanging by a thread, the Men in Green must now rely on a combination of favorable results and an improved net run rate to stay in contention.
Pakistan’s Struggles in Group A
Pakistan endured a tough start to their Champions Trophy campaign with a six-wicket loss to New Zealand in their opening match at the National Stadium in Karachi on February 19. Their woes continued against India, where they were bowled out for 241 in 49.4 overs. Saud Shakeel top-scored with 62 runs, while captain Mohammad Rizwan contributed 46.
India comfortably chased down the target with 45 balls to spare, thanks to Virat Kohli’s 51st ODI century. Pakistan’s bowling attack, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, struggled to contain the Indian batters. Afridi took two wickets but conceded runs at an economy rate of 9.25. Abrar Ahmed and Khushdil Shah picked up a wicket each.
How Pakistan Can Still Qualify for the Semi-Finals
Pakistan’s qualification hopes for the Champions Trophy semi-finals are now out of their control. While they must win their final match against Bangladesh on February 27, they also need other results to go their way.
The crucial fixture to watch is the Bangladesh vs. New Zealand clash on February 24 in Rawalpindi. If New Zealand secures a win, Pakistan will be officially eliminated, confirming semi-final berths for India and the Black Caps while Bangladesh also bows out.
However, if Bangladesh manages to defeat New Zealand, Pakistan will have a lifeline. A victory against Bangladesh on February 27 would then set up a dramatic final group-stage fixture between India and New Zealand on March 2 in Dubai.
Pakistan’s Best-Case Scenario for Qualification
For Pakistan to qualify, the following results must occur:
Bangladesh defeats New Zealand on February 24 in Rawalpindi.
Pakistan defeats Bangladesh on February 27 in Rawalpindi.
India defeats New Zealand on March 2 in Dubai.
If these outcomes materialize, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh will all finish with two points in Group A. In this scenario, the team with the superior net run rate (NRR) will advance to the semi-finals alongside India.
Remaining Group A Fixtures
February 24: Bangladesh vs. New Zealand, Rawalpindi
February 27: Pakistan vs. Bangladesh, Rawalpindi
March 2: New Zealand vs. India, Dubai
With their Champions Trophy survival at stake, Pakistan must not only win against Bangladesh but also closely monitor other matches. As the drama unfolds, cricket fans around the world will be keenly watching the upcoming games to see if Pakistan can pull off a miraculous escape or succumb to early elimination.
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