Pakistan Near Champions Trophy Exit After Crushing Defeat to India: Rizwan Admits Campaign is ‘As Good As Over’
Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Hopes Hang by a Thread
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is turning into a nightmare for Pakistan, as they now find themselves near Champions Trophy exit after back-to-back defeats. Their most recent setback came against India, who outclassed them by six wickets at the Dubai International Stadium.
With Pakistan near Champions Trophy exit, the team sits at the bottom of Group A, with zero points from two matches and a worse net run rate than Bangladesh. Their qualification hopes now depend on other teams’ results, an uncomfortable position that captain Mohammad Rizwan has openly admitted.
Mohammad Rizwan: ‘Our Campaign is as Good as Over’
In a brutally honest post-match press conference, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan conceded that Pakistan near Champions Trophy exit, as their fate is no longer in their own hands.
“We can say that our campaign is as good as over. We have to depend on results of other matches. There is hope as there is one more game left. As a captain, I don’t like this scenario (depending on other teams). We should have fate in our hands.”
Pakistan’s chances of survival in the tournament are slim, as they now require a miracle—winning their final game against Bangladesh and hoping that other results go in their favor. However, even if they win, their net run rate disadvantage could still knock them out.
With Pakistan near Champions Trophy exit, frustration is growing among fans, former cricketers, and analysts, as the team continues to struggle in ICC tournaments.
India vs Pakistan: Kohli’s Brilliance Ends Pakistan’s Hopes
While Pakistan’s performance lacked intent and strategy, Virat Kohli once again delivered a masterclass, smashing an unbeaten 100 off 111 balls to take India to 244/4 in 42.3 overs, successfully chasing Pakistan’s total of 241 in 49.4 overs.
Despite the defeat, Rizwan acknowledged Kohli’s incredible form, praising his work ethic and match-winning ability.
“I am amazed at the hard work he puts in. The whole world was saying he was out of form, but coming into such a big game, he scored runs effortlessly. His fitness and work ethic is indeed praiseworthy. We tried our best to get him out, but we could not.”
With this win, India remains unbeaten in the tournament, while Pakistan near Champions Trophy exit, needing a miraculous turnaround to stay alive.
Why Is Pakistan Struggling? Key Issues in the Squad
With Pakistan near Champions Trophy exit, several weaknesses have been exposed in their squad.
- Middle-Order Batting Collapse – Despite Saud Shakeel’s fighting 62 off 76 balls, Pakistan failed to convert good starts into match-winning totals.
- Ineffective Bowling in Middle Overs – Rizwan admitted that Pakistan’s bowlers failed to take wickets in crucial moments, allowing India’s batters to dominate the chase.
- Lack of Game Awareness – Pakistan’s tactical errors, poor shot selection, and ineffective field placements have contributed to their downfall.
“As far as the match is concerned, we are obviously disappointed. We made mistakes in all three departments. We were not able to take wickets in the middle overs,” Rizwan admitted.
These persistent issues have now left Pakistan near Champions Trophy exit, and unless drastic changes are made, the team may suffer yet another early ICC tournament exit.
Pakistan’s Last Hope: Must-Win Clash Against Bangladesh
With Pakistan near Champions Trophy exit, their final group-stage match against Bangladesh on February 27 is now a do-or-die encounter.
For Pakistan to stay alive in the tournament, they must:
- Defeat Bangladesh comprehensively to improve their net run rate.
- Hope that India beats New Zealand on March 2 to keep their qualification chances alive.
- Avoid further mistakes in batting, bowling, and fielding to secure a dominant victory.
Even if Pakistan wins, their net run rate disadvantage could still knock them out—further proof of how Pakistan near Champions Trophy exit due to poor performances in the first two matches.
Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Future in Doubt
With Pakistan near Champions Trophy exit, this tournament has once again exposed the structural flaws in Pakistan cricket.
- Lack of stability in team selection and leadership.
- Failure to perform under pressure in ICC tournaments.
- Inability to compete against top-ranked teams like India.
If Pakistan fails to qualify for the semi-finals, it will mark another disappointing ICC tournament exit, raising serious questions about the team’s future direction.As things stand, Pakistan near Champions Trophy exit, and only a miracle can save them now.
