Dubai, Feb 23 – Pakistan’s chances of reaching the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals suffered a major setback following a comprehensive six-wicket defeat to India in their Group A clash on Sunday. Virat Kohli’s unbeaten century off 111 deliveries powered India to a dominant victory at the Dubai International Stadium, leaving Pakistan on the brink of elimination.
Pakistan’s Challenging Path to the Knockouts
With two consecutive losses—against New Zealand in the tournament opener and now against India—Pakistan’s route to the semi-finals remains precarious. Mohammad Rizwan and his team must win their final group-stage match against Bangladesh and hope for favorable results from other fixtures.
For Pakistan to advance, they need New Zealand to lose both of their remaining matches against Bangladesh and India. In such a scenario, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh would each have two points from three matches, making net run-rate the deciding factor in determining which team progresses.
India’s Commanding Performance Seals the Win
India’s bowlers laid the foundation for victory, restricting Pakistan to 241 runs. Saud Shakeel top-scored with 62 off 76 balls, while skipper Mohammad Rizwan contributed a gritty 46 off 77 deliveries. Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav led India’s bowling attack with figures of 3 for 40, while Hardik Pandya (2 for 31) dismissed key batters Babar Azam (23) and Shakeel.
India chased down the target in 42.3 overs, driven by Kohli’s century. Shubman Gill (46 off 52) and Shreyas Iyer (56 off 67) provided crucial support, while skipper Rohit Sharma (20 off 15) played an aggressive cameo before falling to Shaheen Afridi.
India Nears Semi-Final Berth, Pakistan on the Brink
With two wins in as many games, India is on the verge of securing a semi-final spot. Meanwhile, Pakistan faces an uphill battle, needing both a victory over Bangladesh and favorable results elsewhere to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.
The Chenab Times News Desk