DUBAI: Pakistan’s chances of advancing to the semifinals of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 have become increasingly slim after suffering their second consecutive defeat in the tournament.

Pakistan’ hopes now rely on the outcome of the remaining Group A matches of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. The team’s prospects of reaching the final four took a significant blow after they suffered a dismal six-wicket defeat at the hands of arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.  With two losses out of as many games, Pakistan’s chances of qualifying for the semifinals have darkened, but mathematically, they are still in the running. The team, led by Mohammad Rizwan, now depends on the results of the remaining three Group A matches. Sitting at the bottom of Group A, Pakistan’s first hope lies in Bangladesh defeating New Zealand on February 24, followed by the Green Shirts securing a comprehensive victory over Bangladesh on February 27 to improve their net run rate and earn crucial points.

Subsequently, Pakistan will hope that India defeats New Zealand, ensuring the Black Caps remain on two points with an inferior net run rate.  If all the results go in Pakistan’s favour, Pakistan and New Zealand would have two points each and the team with better net run rate will progress to the semi-final stage along with topper India.