Hosts and defending champions Pakistan find themselves in a precarious position after suffering their second consecutive defeat in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Men in Green were comprehensively beaten by arch-rivals India, who secured a six-wicket victory in Dubai on Sunday.
The loss has left Pakistan’s chances of qualifying for the semi-finals hanging by a thread. With two defeats in as many matches, the Men in Green are now dependent on the outcomes of all three remaining Group A matches to keep their slim hopes alive.
With two losses—against New Zealand and India—Pakistan’s semi-final hopes are now out of their hands. The hosts are currently at the bottom of Group A with zero points and a poor net run rate. However, they are not yet mathematically eliminated from the tournament.
For Pakistan to qualify for the semi-finals, the following results must align perfectly:
February 24: New Zealand vs Bangladesh
Pakistan needs Bangladesh to defeat New Zealand in this crucial match. A New Zealand victory would eliminate both Pakistan and Bangladesh from the tournament, securing semi-final spots for India and the Blackcaps.
February 27: Pakistan vs Bangladesh
Pakistan must then defeat Bangladesh in their final group-stage match. Not only do they need to win, but they must do so by a significant margin to improve their net run rate.
March 2: India vs New Zealand
In the final Group A match, Pakistan would need India to beat New Zealand comprehensively. This result would leave New Zealand with two points and an inferior net run rate, allowing Pakistan to sneak into the semi-finals alongside India.
Net run rate (NRR) will play a critical role in determining Pakistan’s fate. Currently, Pakistan’s NRR is significantly lower than New Zealand’s, meaning they will need a massive victory against Bangladesh to close the gap. Even if the other results go in their favor, a narrow win against Bangladesh would not be enough to secure qualification.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, a washout in any of the remaining Group A matches would also spell the end of Pakistan’s campaign. If rain disrupts any of the fixtures, the points would be shared, making it impossible for Pakistan to qualify.
Pakistan’s journey in the Champions Trophy 2025 has been anything but smooth. From their lackluster performances to their reliance on other teams’ results, the defending champions are now on the brink of elimination. While the odds are stacked against them, cricket is a game of uncertainties, and Pakistan will be hoping for a miracle to keep their title defense alive.