New Delhi: Pakistan’s hopes of advancing to the semi-finals took a huge hit after they were thoroughly beaten by India in their Champions Trophy 2025 Group A clash in Dubai on Sunday. Pakistan were outclassed, with Virat Kohli playing a superb knock of 100 off 111 balls, leading India to a comfortable six-wicket win.
This marked Pakistan’s second consecutive defeat, following their loss to New Zealand in the opening match. Although the road to the semi-finals appears challenging for Mohammad Rizwan and his team, they still have a slim chance. To make it to the knockout stage, Pakistan will need to secure a victory in their final match against Bangladesh and rely on other results to go in their favour.
If New Zealand lose both of their remaining games against Bangladesh and India, a victory for Pakistan in their final match would see them tied on 2 points from 3 matches with New Zealand and Bangladesh. In this scenario, Pakistan could advance to the semifinals, provided their net run-rate is better than the other teams.
India’s dominant six-wicket win over Pakistan on Sunday all but secured their place in the semifinals.
India bowled out Pakistan for 241, with Saud Shakeel scoring 62 off 76 balls, and captain Mohammad Rizwan contributing a slow 46 from 77 balls.
Kuldeep Yadav (3/40) claimed three wickets, and Hardik Pandya (2/31) removed Babar Azam (23) and Shakeel.
India chased down the target in 42.3 overs, guided by Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 100 off 111 balls, Shubman Gill’s 46 off 52, and Shreyas Iyer’s 56 off 67.
Rohit Sharma also played a few eye-catching shots, scoring 20 off 15 before being dismissed by a brilliant delivery from Shaheen Afridi.
India, having secured two victories in as many matches, are virtually guaranteed a spot in the semifinals. In contrast, Pakistan is close to being knocked out following defeats in their opening two group matches.
