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Despite half-centuries from Babar Azam and Khushdil Shah, Pakistan failed to chase down the 321-run target and went down by 60 runs against New Zealand in the first match of Champions Trophy 2025.
How Pakistan can qualify for Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal? (Picture Credit: AFP)
Pakistan suffered a humiliating defeat by 60 runs against New Zealand in the first match of the Champions Trophy 2025. In the tournament’s opener played at National 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 Young (107) and Tom Latham (118*) to post a total of 320 runs on the board for the loss of five wickets in 50 overs. The target of 321 runs proved too much for the defending champions and despite fifties from Babar Azam (64 off 90 balls) and Khushdil Shah (69 off 49 balls), they could only manage to score 260 runs in 47.2 overs.
The defeat in the first match of the ICC event, which is making a comeback after eight years, has dented Pakistan’s chances of qualifying for the semifinals. The defending champions next face India in the Group A match on Sunday (February 23) at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, and it has now become a must-win fixture for them. If Pakistan lose against India, then their campaign might come to an end.
For Pakistan to qualify for the semifinals, they must beat India on Sunday and then repeat the same show against Bangladesh in the last Group A match on February 27 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. In addition to the two wins, Pakistan also has to keep an eye on the net run rate because there could be a possibility where three teams finish with two wins each.
If Pakistan lose against India and New Zealand beat Bangladesh on February 24, then the Men in Green’s campaign will come to an end provided India also defeat Bangladesh in their first match of the tournament on Thursday, February 20, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan, which won the 2017 edition of the Champions Trophy by getting the better of India by 180 runs in the final played at The Oval on June 18, 2017, was looking to become the second team in history to successfully defend the Champions Trophy title, but after defeat in the first match, their chances of making a group stage exit are looking increasingly likely.
- Location :
Karachi, Pakistan
