Pakistan’s hopes of advancing to the semi-finals in the Champions Trophy 2025 were significantly diminished following a comprehensive defeat to India in Dubai. India secured a six-wicket victory, aided by Virat Kohli’s century (100 not out). Pakistan managed to post 241 runs, with Saud Shakeel scoring 62 and captain Mohammad Rizwan 46. India’s bowlers, including Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya, ensured Pakistan struggled. This loss marked Pakistan’s second in a row, following their defeat to New Zealand. To stay in contention, Pakistan must win their final match against Bangladesh and hope for favorable results from other games.
Pakistan faced defeat against India in the Champions Trophy 2025© AFP
Pakistan’s hopes of advancing to the semi-finals took a significant hit as they were thoroughly defeated by India in their Champions Trophy 2025 Group A match in Dubai on Sunday. India dominated the game, with Virat Kohli scoring an outstanding century off 111 balls, leading India to a comfortable six-wicket win. This marked Pakistan’s second consecutive loss following their defeat by New Zealand in the tournament’s opening match. Although the path to the semi-finals appears challenging for Mohammad Rizwan and his team, their chances are not entirely extinguished. Pakistan must win their final match against Bangladesh and rely on other results to secure a spot in the knockout stage.
If New Zealand were to lose both of their remaining matches against Bangladesh and India, a victory for Pakistan in their final game would leave them with 2 points from 3 matches, tying them with New Zealand and Bangladesh. In such a scenario, they would be able to advance to the semifinals based on a superior net run-rate.
India’s six-wicket triumph over Pakistan in a lopsided Champions Trophy match on Sunday nearly guarantees them a place in the semifinals.
India bowled Pakistan out for 241, with Saud Shakeel contributing 62 runs off 76 balls and skipper Mohammad Rizwan scoring a painstaking 46 from 77 balls.
Kuldeep Yadav, the left-arm wrist spinner, took three wickets for 40 runs, while all-rounder Hardik Pandya claimed two wickets for 31 runs, dismissing Babar Azam (23) and Shakeel.
India completed the chase in 42.3 overs, thanks to contributions from Virat Kohli (100 not out off 111), Shubman Gill (46 off 52), and Shreyas Iyer (56 off 67).
Captain Rohit Sharma (20 off 15) also played a few remarkable shots before being dismissed by a stunning delivery from Shaheen Afridi.
With two victories out of two matches, India is all but assured of a semifinal spot. Conversely, Pakistan stands on the verge of elimination after dropping their first two group matches.
(With PTI inputs)
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