ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign has come to an end after New Zealand outclassed Bangladesh by five wickets in a crucial group-stage match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday, sealing their place in the semi-finals alongside India.
The hosts and defending champions, Pakistan, suffered back-to-back defeats in Group A, leaving their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
Their slim chances of advancing depended on Bangladesh beating New Zealand, followed by a decisive victory against Bangladesh on February 27.
However, New Zealand’s victory has eliminated both Pakistan and Bangladesh from the tournament, rendering their upcoming match a mere formality.
New Zealand and India progress to semi-finals
With two consecutive wins, New Zealand have secured their semi-final spot in the tournament alongside India, who also won their first two group-stage encounters.
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The Black Caps kicked off their campaign with an emphatic 60-run victory over Pakistan in the tournament opener, setting the tone for their strong performance in Group A.
Pakistan’s disappointing campaign
Pakistan’s title defence began on a poor note with a heavy defeat to New Zealand in Karachi on February 19.
The Black Caps, batting first, posted an imposing 320/5, thanks to centuries from opener Will Young and wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham.
Pakistan’s bowling attack struggled to contain the onslaught, with Naseem Shah emerging as the best performer, taking 2/63 in 10 overs, while Haris Rauf proved expensive, conceding 83 runs.
In response, Pakistan’s batting line-up faltered, managing only 260 runs before being bowled out in 47.2 overs.
Khushdil Shah was the top scorer with a quick-fire 69 off 49 balls, while skipper Babar Azam made a laboured 64 off 90 deliveries.
Needing a win to stay in contention, Pakistan faced their arch-rivals India in Dubai on February 24.
However, their batting woes continued, as they were bundled out for a modest 241 runs in 49.5 overs.
Saud Shakeel was the only batter to show resilience, scoring 62 off 76 balls. Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav was instrumental in dismantling Pakistan’s batting line-up, claiming 3/40 in nine overs.
India chased down the 242-run target comfortably, winning by six wickets with 45 balls to spare, courtesy of a masterful century by Virat Kohli.
The loss pushed Pakistan to the brink of elimination, making their qualification contingent on other results in Group A.
New Zealand’s victory ends Pakistan’s hopes
With their fate hanging in the balance, Pakistan needed Bangladesh to upset New Zealand in Rawalpindi to stay alive in the tournament.
However, Rachin Ravindra’s century and Tom Latham’s composed half-century guided New Zealand to a convincing five-wicket win, ensuring their passage to the semi-finals.
Pakistan and Bangladesh will now face each other on February 27 in a dead rubber, as the result will have no impact on the semi-final line-up.
