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It’s almost over for the defending champions Pakistan as they ended up losing against arch-rivals India in their second match of the Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai. With the help of Virat Kohli’s 51st ODI ton, India continued their domination over Pakistan in ICC events and registered their second consecutive win in the ongoing Champions Trophy. With this win, the Men in Blue almost confirmed their place in the semi-finals.
However, talking about host nation Pakistan, they have now lost back-to-back two matches in the tournament. After a 60-run loss vs New Zealand, Pakistan also failed to get their first win against arch-rivals India and ended up losing the match by six wickets. Now, Pakistan will face Bangladesh in their last league match of the Champions Trophy 2025. However, can they still make it to the semi-finals even after losing two matches in a row.
How can Pakistan still qualify after losing against India?
Now chances for the defending champions are almost none for qualifying into the semi-finals. However, there can still be a outside chance for the hosts to qualify into the top four but they have to depend on other teams for this. With two losses in a row, Pakistan have to definitely win their last league match against Bangladesh, which is scheduled to be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on February 27.
However, with just one win in three matches, Pakistan can’t make it to the top four of the Champions Trophy 2025.
Pakistan's Semifinal Qualification Scenario:
If Pakistan still want to qualify for the semi-finals, they also have to hope that New Zealand lose their remaining matches against Bangladesh and India respectively. Apart from that, Pakistan will also assure that they register a big victory against Bangladesh to end with a higher net run rate than New Zealand. If that happens, Pakistan can still make it to the semis along with India.
