Champions Trophy 2025: Can Pakistan Still Make the Semi-Finals After Losing to India? Here’s the Full Breakdown

Pakistan’s campaign in the Champions Trophy 2025 has taken a rough turn, with back-to-back defeats pushing them to the bottom of the Group A standings under Mohammad Rizwan’s leadership. However, despite the setbacks, their semi-final hopes are still alive—though they now depend on other results.

Pakistan’s Struggles in the Group Stage

Pakistan’s tournament got off to a poor start with a six-wicket loss against New Zealand. Their troubles worsened after a second consecutive defeat against arch-rivals India in Dubai. Batting first, Pakistan managed 241 runs in 49.4 overs, with Saud Shakeel top-scoring at 62 and skipper Rizwan contributing 46.

India comfortably chased down the target with 45 balls to spare, thanks to Virat Kohli’s 51st ODI century. Pakistan’s bowling attack struggled, with Shaheen Afridi taking two wickets but conceding runs at an expensive economy rate of 9.25. Spinners Abrar Ahmed and Khushdil Shah chipped in with a wicket each, but it wasn’t enough to stop India from securing their second consecutive win.

With this result, India now leads Group A with four points, while Pakistan sits at the bottom with zero. But mathematically, there’s still a chance for them to make it to the semi-finals. If you’re looking for ways to engage more with the game, using a cricket betting app real money platform can provide additional excitement while following the Champions Trophy action.

What does Pakistan need to Do to Stay in the Tournament?

Pakistan’s last group-stage fixture is against Bangladesh on February 27. They must secure a big win to improve their net run rate and stay in contention. However, their fate also depends on the outcome of other Group A matches.

• Pakistan will closely follow the New Zealand vs. Bangladesh clash on February 26 in Rawalpindi.
• Pakistan will be officially eliminated if New Zealand wins, as India and New Zealand will qualify for the semi-finals.
• However, if Bangladesh beats New Zealand, the tournament gets more interesting. If Pakistan wins against Bangladesh, all three teams (Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand) will be tied with two points each.
• The final semi-final spot will then be decided based on net run rate, making Pakistan’s margin of victory crucial.

Additionally, Pakistan would hope India defeats New Zealand in their last group match, which could help keep their qualification hopes alive.

Pakistan’s road to the semi-finals is hanging by a thread, and while their chances are slim, they are still in the race—provided they win convincingly and results elsewhere go in their favour.

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