Are Pakistan Already Out of the Champions Trophy 2025? What India’s Thumping Win Against Bangladesh Means for Pakistan

Pakistan Faces Elimination Early in Champions Trophy 2025
Group A’s Dramatic Start and Pakistan’s Tough Road to Semis

The 2025 Champions Trophy has begun in Pakistan with a bang, but not without some early shocks. With key players missing across various teams, the tournament’s landscape has become unpredictable. India’s Jasprit Bumrah and Australia’s Pat Cummins are among the high-profile absentees, adding to the uncertainty. However, the defending champions have set their intentions high. For Pakistan, the situation is more dire, and after just two days, they are on the brink of elimination.

Group A Breakdown: Early Losses for Pakistan

The eight teams in the tournament are split into two groups. Group A consists of New Zealand, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, while Group B includes Australia, Afghanistan, England, and South Africa. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals.

So far, Group A has seen two matches, and Pakistan’s chances of advancing are slim.

Match 1: Pakistan vs. New Zealand: A Tough Start

• New Zealand set a daunting total of 320/5, thanks to brilliant centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham.
• Pakistan struggled, finishing at 298 all out in 48 overs. Khushdil Shah (69) and Babar Azam (64) were the top scorers.
• New Zealand secured a 60-run victory, boosting their NRR (+1.200), leaving Pakistan in deep trouble early on.

Despite Pakistan’s home advantage, their recent record against New Zealand was poor, having lost twice to the Kiwis in the Tri-Nation series before the tournament, including a defeat at the same Karachi ground.

Match 2: Bangladesh vs. India—India Dominates

• India’s bowlers dominated, reducing Bangladesh to a dismal total of 228/10 in 49.4 overs.
• Mohammed Shami took five wickets, showcasing his unmatched ability in ICC tournaments, while Harshit Rana impressed in his replacement of Bumrah with three wickets.
• India chased the target effortlessly, winning by six wickets. The Men in Blue posted an NRR of +0.408, with Shubman Gill scoring a match-winning century.

Pakistan’s Hopes Fade, Pressure Builds

With New Zealand and India securing wins, Pakistan faces an uphill battle. Their next match against India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium will be crucial. Home advantage in Karachi has been neutralized, and Pakistan must win by a significant margin to keep their semi-final dreams alive.

• Pakistan’s path to qualification:
  • Pakistan needs to beat both India and Bangladesh with large margins.
  • Their hopes rest on the New Zealand vs. India clash on March 2, hoping that NRR doesn’t play a role in their exit.

Mohammad Amir’s Analysis: Can Pakistan Still Qualify?

Former pacer Mohammad Amir shared his thoughts on Pakistan’s chances in the ongoing tournament, stating that New Zealand is the most balanced side in Group A, not India. He predicted that New Zealand would likely defeat India in Dubai, giving Pakistan a chance to sneak into the semifinals. According to Amir, Pakistan and New Zealand are the two teams most likely to advance from Group A, though Pakistan cannot afford any further slipups.

Amir also expressed doubts over India’s bowling strength without Jasprit Bumrah, noting that Mohammad Shami hasn’t been in his best form since returning from injury.

The Road Ahead for Pakistan:

• Upcoming Matches:
  • Pakistan will face India next, and it will be a must-win match for them.
  • The team’s fate may also depend on New Zealand’s performance against India in the final group-stage game.
• Key Issues:
  • Pakistan must improve their batting depth and fielding.
  • They will also need a miracle in terms of net run rate if they want to have a shot at qualifying for the semi-finals.

In summary, Pakistan faces a tough road ahead in the Champions Trophy 2025 after early losses to New Zealand and India. Their semi-final hopes are on life support, with only one option: win big in their remaining matches.