Pakistan’s chances of reaching the semi-finals were dealt a massive blow after they were defeated comprehensively by India in their Champions Trophy Group A encounter in Dubai on Sunday. Pakistan were outplayed completely as Virat Kohli slammed a blistering ton off 111 deliveries to guide India to a comfortable six-wicket victory.
What an incredible match! 🇮🇳When it’s India vs Pakistan, the energy is unmatched! And what a thrilling victory—Virat sealed the deal like a true champion! I’m sure even Pakistan fans enjoyed the masterclass. This win is ours! #INDvsPAK #Champions #T20Cricket #CricketRivalry… pic.twitter.com/lWn2Dqsvbn
— NIHARIKA DASH SARANGI (@NiharikaDash14) February 23, 2025
This was Pakistan’s second loss in a row after they were beaten by New Zealand in the tournament opener. While the route to the semi-finals look quite difficult for Mohammad Rizwan and Co, their chances are not completely over. Pakistan will need to win their final game against Bangladesh and depend on other results to reach the knockout stage.
How can Pakistan qualify for the semis:
If New Zealand lose both of their remaining matches against Bangladesh and India, a win for Pakistan in the final game will mean that they will have 2 points from 3 matches along with New Zealand and Bangladesh. In that case, they will be able to reach the semifinals with the help of a better net run-rate.
Mathematically, Pakistan is still in but they need miracles!
If NZ loses to BAN and IND, and PAK wins against BAN by a huge margin, they can still qualify. Just saying! 🌚#PAKvIND #INDvPAK #CT25
— Syed Omair 🇵🇰 (@ImFauji) February 23, 2025
India beat Pakistan by six wickets in a one-sided Champions Trophy clash on Sunday to all but seal a spot in the semifinals.
India completed the chase in 42.3 overs thanks to Virat Kohli (100 not out off 111), Shubman Gill (46 off 52) and Shreyas Iyer (56 off 67).
Skipper Rohit Sharma (20 off 15) too played a few audacious strokes before falling to a beauty from Shaheen Afridi.
With two wins in as many games, India are all but through to the semifinals. Pakistan, on the other hand, are on the brink of elimination after losing their first two group games.
Also Read: ‘Tired’: R Ashwin’s Verdict On IND vs PAK CT Dubai Pitch!
