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The defending champions and the hosts Pakistan had a disappointing start to their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign as New Zealand defeated them by 60 runs in the opening game of the tournament as National Stadium in Karachi. For New Zealand, For New Zealand, Will Young and Tom Latham shone with centuries as the Black Caps posted 320/5 in their 50 overs. In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for 260 runs in 47.2 overs.
With this loss, Pakistan have reduced their chances for qualifying in the semi-final of the Champions Trophy 2025. Emerging as champions in the previous edition, now Pakistan are on the verge of getting knocked from the top-four race in front of their home crowd. However, Mohammad Rizwan and his men will now look to come up with new strategies and make a comeback in a match against India.
How can Pakistan qualify for the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final
After losing their opening match of the tournament, Pakistan are on the verge of getting knocked out of the race of Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final before they face India on February 23. The hosts will look to make an strong comeback as they take on arch-rivals on Sunday. However, now the defending champions have to depend on others if they make it to the top four of the tournament.
Now, Pakistan can’t afford to lose a game from their remaining two matches in the ongoing Champions Trophy. In order to still keep their chances alive for the semi-final, Pakistan have to ensure that they win both their remaining league matches against India and Bangladesh respectively. Apart from that, the Pakistani fans should also wish that both India and Bangladesh lose two of their three league matches of the Champions Trophy 2025.
