The Champions Trophy 2025 competition does not afford any leeway for mistakes since a loss of even one group match can stall a team’s prospects. The eight participating teams are divided into two groups with four teams each, and just the first two teams from every group get an opportunity to make it to the semifinals.
Group A Standings: India and New Zealand Lead
In Group A, bitter rivals India and Pakistan are in opposite circumstances. Defending champions Pakistan lost heavily by 60 runs to New Zealand in Karachi in their opening match in the tournament. India, however, won a comfortable six-wicket victory against Bangladesh.
New Zealand is currently at the top of the team with two points and an NRR of +1.200, while India has two points but an NRR of +0.408. Bangladesh and Pakistan are yet to gain a point, while Bangladesh’s NRR stands at -0.408, higher than that of Pakistan, which is -1.200.
Pakistan’s Qualification Scenario
Pakistan is in a do-or-die situation with two remaining group-stage matches—against India on February 23 and Bangladesh on February 27.
- If Pakistan loses to India, their tournament will most probably come to an end, particularly if New Zealand defeats Bangladesh on February 24.
- But if Pakistan beats India, the group will be extremely competitive, with India having a must-win match against New Zealand and Pakistan relying on themselves against Bangladesh in their last match.
- Bangladesh is still a dark horse, and if they do manage to win an upset match against New Zealand on February 24, then Pak may remain in contention even if they do lose against India.
Since each game has gargantuan implications, Pakistan’s battle against India in Dubai on February 23 will be one of the games that decide the fate of their Champions Trophy sojourn.
