India, New Zealand Storm Into Champions Trophy Semis; Pakistan Knocked Out Of Tournament

Pakistan's Champions Trophy Campaign Ends in Disappointment as India and New Zealand Progress

Mohammad Rizwan-led Pakistan has been eliminated from the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 following New Zealand's five-wicket victory over Bangladesh in a Group A match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.

Photo Credit: PTI

After their defeat to India in a crucial encounter in Dubai, Pakistan's chances of reaching the semi-finals rested on the unlikely prospect of Bangladesh overcoming an in-form New Zealand side.

However, as expected, Bangladesh failed to pull off an upset, and Mitchell Santner's team comfortably secured victory over Najmul Hossain Shanto's men.

With this result, Bangladesh also bowed out of the tournament, while India and New Zealand booked their places in the semi-finals from Group A.

The final group-stage fixture on 2 March between India and New Zealand will determine the table-toppers.

India's semi-final is scheduled for 4 March in Dubai, while New Zealand will play their semi-final on 5 March at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Pakistan's early exit is particularly disappointing as the nation is hosting an ICC event for the first time in 29 years.

However, the home team's underwhelming performances have left fans with little to celebrate, raising several concerns about their approach and execution on the field.

A Tournament to Forget for Pakistan

Pakistan's campaign started poorly when they failed to chase down 321 against New Zealand in Karachi.

Babar Azam's innings, where he scored 64 off 90 balls, came under scrutiny for lacking intent, despite efforts from Khushdil Shah and Salman Ali Agha in the middle order.

Their late resistance was not enough, and New Zealand clinched a crucial win, putting Pakistan under immense pressure.

This left Pakistan needing a victory against India in what was effectively a must-win encounter. Given their dismal record against their arch-rivals in ICC tournaments, expectations were high for a spirited performance.

Lacklustre Performance Against India

After their defeat to New Zealand, Pakistan was expected to show more aggression with both bat and ball. Babar Azam's promising start suggested a more proactive approach, but it did not last long.

As the innings progressed, Mohammad Rizwan struggled to rotate the strike, allowing India to maintain control. A collapse towards the end meant Pakistan could only post a modest total of 241.

India's response was emphatic. Virat Kohli, who thrives against Pakistan, delivered a batting masterclass, leaving Pakistan's bowlers with no answers.

The pace trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf was dispatched to all parts of the ground.

Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed provided a rare moment of brilliance by bowling Shubman Gill with a superb delivery, but it was a mere consolation.

India's six-wicket victory effectively sealed Pakistan's fate in the tournament. Even Mohammad Rizwan conceded after the match that their chances of progression were all but over.

Now, with New Zealand's win over Bangladesh, Pakistan's elimination has been officially confirmed.