ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s semi-final hopes in the Champions Trophy have become increasingly uncertain after a six-wicket defeat to India in their group stage match on Sunday. The loss at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium left Pakistan languishing at the bottom of Group A, with their path to the semi-finals now relying on a series of highly complex results.
Earlier, on February 19, Pakistan had already suffered a 60-run defeat to New Zealand in their opening match of the tournament. Batting first, Pakistan was dismissed for 241 in 49.4 overs, with Saud Shakeel top-scoring with 62 runs and skipper Mohammad Rizwan contributing 46. India, led by Virat Kohli’s 51st ODI century, easily chased down the target with 45 balls to spare, sealing the victory.
Pakistan’s bowlers struggled, with Shaheen Shah Afridi claiming two wickets but conceding runs at an economy rate of 9.25. Abrar Ahmed and Khushdil Shah each took one wicket, but the team could not contain India’s chase.
Analyst Naseem Rajput, speaking on Aaj News’ sports programme Kuch Cricket Ho Jaye, expressed bleak views about Pakistan’s chances of progressing further. “Only if, God forbid, there are scenarios where India and New Zealand must lose under certain circumstances, can we progress,” he said, further stating concerns about Pakistan’s ability to defeat Bangladesh, given their current form.
Read more: India defeat Pakistan by 6 wickets
Despite the challenges, there is still a slim chance for Pakistan to qualify for the semi-finals. To stay in the tournament, Pakistan must first defeat Bangladesh in their next match. Additionally, they will need New Zealand to lose their remaining games. If Bangladesh defeats New Zealand and Pakistan wins against Bangladesh, the outcome will depend on the result of the India-New Zealand match on March 2. If India wins that match, three teams—New Zealand, Bangladesh, and Pakistan—will end up with two points each, and the team with the better net run rate will secure the final semi-final spot alongside India.
For Pakistan, the path to the semi-finals remains difficult, with many variables at play, but hope remains as they look to build on their slim qualification chances.
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