Pakistan’s hopes of making it to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinals hang by a thread after a six-wicket loss to India in Dubai. With two defeats in two games, the defending champions now find themselves at the bottom of Group A and no longer in control of their fate. However, there’s still a mathematical chance for Pakistan to qualify—but they need a lot to go their way.
What Needs to Happen for Pakistan to Qualify?
1. Bangladesh Must Beat New Zealand
• Pakistan’s first lifeline depends on Bangladesh defeating New Zealand in Rawalpindi.
• If New Zealand wins, they and India will qualify for the semis, eliminating Pakistan.
2. Pakistan Must Beat Bangladesh by a Big Margin
• If Bangladesh upsets New Zealand, Pakistan will still need to defeat Bangladesh convincingly to improve their Net Run Rate (NRR), which currently stands at -1.087.
3. India Must Beat New Zealand
• If India wins against New Zealand, then all three teams—Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh—will have one win each.
• The second semifinalist from Group A will then be determined based on NRR.
Pakistan’s Slim Hope to Defend Their Title
Pakistan, who famously won the 2017 Champions Trophy final against India by 180 runs, now face an uphill battle. Two straight losses have put them in a must-win situation, and even that may not be enough.
While the road ahead is tough, cricket is unpredictable, and Pakistan will be hoping for a miracle sequence of results to keep their title defense alive.
