ICC Champions Trophy 2025 : Pakistan’s journey in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has hit a major roadblock following their loss to India. With two consecutive defeats, the hosts now find themselves in a do-or-die situation, needing multiple results to go their way to stay alive in the tournament.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 : Qualification Scenario – Pakistan on the Brink After Loss to India in ICC Champions Trophy 2025
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Pakistan’s Disastrous Start
Pakistan, led by Mohammad Rizwan, suffered a heavy 60-run defeat against New Zealand in their opening game. The loss put them on the backfoot early in the tournament, leaving them with little room for error. Their situation worsened with another defeat against arch-rivals India, making their qualification for the semifinals extremely difficult.
Pakistan’s Qualification Scenarios
With back-to-back losses, Pakistan’s chances of reaching the semifinals now hinge on several factors:
- Pakistan Must Beat Bangladesh – A win over Bangladesh is mandatory for Pakistan to stay in contention. A loss would result in their elimination.
- New Zealand Must Lose to Bangladesh – If New Zealand suffers a defeat against Bangladesh, it will create a three-way tie, keeping Pakistan’s hopes alive.
- Net Run Rate Becomes Key – If Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand all finish with two points, qualification will be determined by Net Run Rate (NRR), making it crucial for Pakistan to secure a big win against Bangladesh.
- Weather Concerns – Pakistan’s match against Bangladesh on February 27 in Rawalpindi is under threat due to a 70% chance of rain. If the match is washed out, Pakistan will be eliminated.
India’s Path to Semifinals
Rohit Sharma’s team secured their second consecutive win, defeating Pakistan by six wickets. India currently leads Group A with four points and is on the verge of securing a semifinal spot. However, their qualification is not confirmed yet.
- India Qualifies if New Zealand Beats Bangladesh – If New Zealand defeats Bangladesh in their next game, both India and New Zealand will advance to the semifinals.
- India’s Final Group Match vs New Zealand – If Bangladesh defeats New Zealand, India will have to beat New Zealand to secure a spot in the knockouts.
- Three-Way Tie Possibility – If India loses to New Zealand, and Bangladesh wins both their remaining matches, all three teams (India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh) will finish with four points, and NRR will decide the semifinalists.
Pakistan’s Fading Hopes
Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign is hanging by a thread. Their fate now depends not only on their own performances but also on results from other matches. While mathematical possibilities still exist, their chances of advancing are slim.
With their backs against the wall, Pakistan must produce a dominant performance against Bangladesh and hope for favorable results elsewhere to keep their Champions Trophy dream alive.
FAQs
Can Pakistan still qualify for the ICC Champions Trophy semifinals?
Yes, but they must beat Bangladesh and rely on New Zealand losing to Bangladesh. NRR will then decide the final spots.
What happens if Pakistan loses to Bangladesh?
Pakistan will be eliminated from the tournament.
