Pakistan face the exit sign after consecutive losses in the current Champions Trophy 2025. Their last one came on Sunday at the hands of India, losing a six-wicket match. Piling on 242 runs for victory, the visitors ran through to 244/4 off 42.3 overs thanks to a match-winning unbeaten century from past captain Virat Kohli (100).
The game was also hosted in Dubai, and not in Pakistan where the competition is taking place. India did not go to Pakistan because of political tensions between the two nations. Pakistan are now at the bottom of Group A, with two losses in two games. They also have a poorer net run rate than third-placed Bangladesh, who have played only one game so far.
Speaking after the game, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan stated his team's campaign was more or less finished and they would have to rely on other results in order to make it through. "We can say that our campaign is as good as over. We have to rely on other match results. There is hope as there is one remaining game. As a captain, I don't like this situation (relying on other sides).". We should have fate in our hands," he told the post-match press conference.
He also reserved special words of appreciation for Kohli, who scored his 51st ODI century, and also his fourth against arch-rivals Pakistan. "I am surprised at the hardwork he does. The entire world was commenting that he was out of form but coming into such a big match, he scored runs so easily. His fitness and work ethic is truly commendable. We did our best to get him out but we were unable to," he said.
As for the match, we are naturally disappointed, We erred in all three departments. We could not pick wickets in the middle overs," he further added.
Against India, Saud Shakeel scored a fighting half-century, hitting 62 runs off 76 balls, which took his team to 241 in 49.4 overs. While Kuldeep Yadav picked three wickets for India, Hardik Pandya picked two wickets.
India play New Zealand in their last Group A match on Sunday (March 2) and Pakistan play Bangladesh on Thursday (February 27).
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