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Regardless of half-centuries from Babar Azam and Khushdil Shah, Pakistan didn’t chase down the 321-run goal and went down by 60 runs in opposition to New Zealand within the first match of Champions Trophy 2025.
How Pakistan can qualify for Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal? (Image Credit score: AFP)
Pakistan suffered a humiliating defeat by 60 runs in opposition to New Zealand within the first match of the Champions Trophy 2025. Within the event’s opener performed at Nationwide Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday, February 19, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan invited New Zealand to bat first, and the Kiwis rode on twin centuries from Will Younger (107) and Tom Latham (118*) to submit a complete of 320 runs on the board for the lack of 5 wickets in 50 overs. The goal of 321 runs proved an excessive amount of for the defending champions and regardless of fifties from Babar Azam (64 off 90 balls) and Khushdil Shah (69 off 49 balls), they might solely handle to attain 260 runs in 47.2 overs.
The defeat within the first match of the ICC occasion, which is making a comeback after eight years, has dented Pakistan’s probabilities of qualifying for the semifinals. The defending champions subsequent face India within the Group A match on Sunday (February 23) at Dubai Worldwide Cricket Stadium, and it has now develop into a must-win fixture for them. If Pakistan lose in opposition to India, then their marketing campaign may come to an finish.
For Pakistan to qualify for the semifinals, they have to beat India on Sunday after which repeat the identical present in opposition to Bangladesh within the final Group A match on February 27 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Along with the 2 wins, Pakistan additionally has to keep watch over the web run fee as a result of there may very well be a chance the place three groups end with two wins every.
If Pakistan lose in opposition to India and New Zealand beat Bangladesh on February 24, then the Males in Inexperienced’s marketing campaign will come to an finish offered India additionally defeat Bangladesh of their first match of the event on Thursday, February 20, at Dubai Worldwide Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan, which received the 2017 version of the Champions Trophy by getting the higher of India by 180 runs within the remaining performed at The Oval on June 18, 2017, was trying to develop into the second staff in historical past to efficiently defend the Champions Trophy title, however after defeat within the first match, their probabilities of making a bunch stage exit are wanting more and more probably.
- Location :
Karachi, Pakistan