Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan admitted that their Champions Trophy title defense is all but over following a six-wicket defeat to India in the Champions Trophy 2025 match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, February 23. Addressing the media after the match, Rizwan stated, “Filhaal Toh Hum Yahi Keh Sakte Hai Ki Khatam Ho Gaya. Sach Yahi Hai” (For now, we can say that it’s over. This is the truth.)
He further added, “In the next match, we’ll see what Bangladesh does with New Zealand, what New Zealand does with India, and what we do. It’s a long journey. Yes, we have hope and believe in Allah. Our dependence on the Champions Trophy has now come on other teams,”
Can Pakistan qualify for the Champions Trophy knockout stage?
Despite his statement, Pakistan is still mathematically in the race for a semifinal spot. Their qualification hopes now depend on multiple results going in their favor. If Bangladesh defeats New Zealand on Monday, followed by Pakistan securing a dominant win over Bangladesh on Thursday, and India overcoming New Zealand with a big margin on Sunday, Pakistan could still finish in the top two of Group A and advance to the knockouts.
Virat Kohli’s masterclass sinks Pakistan
Virat Kohli stole the show with a brilliant century, leading India to a six-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan. Rizwan won the toss and opted to bat first, but his decision backfired as the Pakistani team could only manage to score 241 runs for the loss of 10 wickets in 49.4 overs.
Saud Shakeel top-scored (62) for the defending champions, and Rizwan scored 46 runs from 77 balls.
Kohli’s unbeaten 100 off 111 balls, laced with seven fours. Healso became the third batter to reach 14,000 ODI runs, joining the elite company of Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara. In 299 ODIs, Kohli has scored 14,085 runs at an average of 58.20, with 51 centuries and 73 fifties.
