Pakistan eliminated from ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 on home soil

KARACHI: Hosts and reigning champions Pakistan, along with Bangladesh, became the first teams to be officially eliminated from the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which runs until March 9.

The Green Shirts, who clinched the prestigious title in 2017 under Sarfaraz Ahmed’s captaincy, began their title defense against New Zealand—a team that had already beaten them twice in the recent tri-nation ODI series featuring South Africa.

Batting first in the tournament opener, the Blackcaps posted a formidable 320/5, powered by commanding centuries from opener Will Young and wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham.

Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the opposition, with Naseem Shah standing out as the best performer, returning figures of 2/63 in his 10 overs. However, Haris Rauf proved costly, conceding 83 runs in his full quota.

Chasing 321, the home side managed only 260 before being bowled out in 47.2 overs. Returning all-rounder Khushdil Shah was the top scorer with a brisk 69 off 49 balls, while Babar Azam contributed a scratchy 64 off 90 deliveries.

Needing a win to stay in contention, Pakistan then faced arch-rivals India on Sunday in Dubai. However, their batting unit faltered again, posting a modest 241 before being dismissed in the final over.

Middle-order batter Saud Shakeel top-scored with a cautious 62 off 76 balls, including five boundaries.

India’s left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3/40 in his nine overs.

In reply, India chased down the 242-run target with ease, securing a six-wicket victory with 45 balls to spare, courtesy of Virat Kohli’s brilliant century.

With two consecutive defeats, Pakistan’s semi-final hopes had already dwindled, leaving their fate dependent on other Group A results. However, New Zealand’s win over Bangladesh sealed their elimination from the knockout stage of the eight-team tournament.

Despite their early exit, Pakistan will face Bangladesh in their final group-stage fixture on February 27 in Rawalpindi.