Pakistan’s very slim chance of qualifying for semi-finals came to an end when they were practically beaten by India in their Group A Champions Trophy encounter at Dubai on Sunday. Pakistan were installation-wide outplayed as Virat Kohli slammed a magnificent century off 111 balls that eased India to a comfortable six-wicket victory. This was Pakistan’s second loss in a row, having lost to New Zealand in the very first match of the tournament. While the road ahead seems demanding for Mohammad Rizwan and the team, their chances are not entirely over. Pakistan need to win their final game against Bangladesh and hope for favorable outcomes from other encounters to gain entry into the knockout stage.
If New Zealand lose both remaining matches against Bangladesh and India, then Pakistan can earn two points in three matches along with New Zealand and Bangladesh. Then Pakistan will proceed to the semifinals having an edge in net run rate against the other two.
India handily put aside Pakistan by six wickets in a lopsided Sunday Champions Trophy clash that almost guarantees their place in the semifinals.
India bowled out Pakistan for 241 after Saud Shakeel made 62 off 76 balls and Mohamed Rizwan, the captain, made a painstaking 46 off 77 balls.
Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav (3/40) claimed three wickets; meanwhile, Hardik Pandya (2/31) got Babar Azam (23) and Shakeel.
On the other side, Virat Kohli (100 not out off 111), Shubman Gill (46 off 52), and Shreyas Iyer (56 off 67) chased down the total in 42.3 overs.
Captain Rohit Sharma (20 off 15) also played some scintillating shots before he was undone by a beautiful delivery from Shaheen Afridi.
Having had two wins in their two matches, India is almost assured of a straight passage into the semifinals. Pakistan on the other hand are on the verge of elimination.
