Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan out as NZ, India advance

Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign has officially come to an end after consecutive defeats, with New Zealand’s win over Bangladesh sealing their elimination. New Zealand and India have secured semi-final spots after winning their opening matches.

In the tournament’s opening clash, Pakistan faced New Zealand at home. Batting first, the Blackcaps amassed a massive 320/5, thanks to centuries from opener Will Young and wicketkeeper Tom Latham.

Pakistan’s bowling struggled to contain the opposition, with Naseem Shah taking two wickets for 63 runs in 10 overs and Haris Rauf conceding 83 runs in his quota.

In reply, Pakistan managed 260 before being bowled out in 47.2 overs, with Khushdil Shah top-scoring with 69.

In a subsequent high-stakes match against arch-rivals India in Dubai, Pakistan’s batting again faltered. Chasing a target of 242, the team could only muster 241, led by Saud Shakeel’s 62 off 76 deliveries.

India’s left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav impressed with figures of 3/40, while Virat Kohli’s last-ball century ensured a comfortable chase, securing India a 6-wicket win. Pakistan now faces Bangladesh in their final group-stage match on February 27 in Rawalpindi.