Pakistan Eliminated from Champions Trophy 2025 in Just 5 Days

The 2025 Champions Trophy has lived up to the hype. However, Pakistan – the host nation of the tournament – have suffered an embarrassing early exit from the tournament. No one expected such an early exit from the host nation. In fact, Pakistan were considered the favorites to win the tournament. But two consecutive losses to New Zealand and India sealed their fate in the tournament.

To add more insult to injury, Pakistan were hosting an ICC event for the first time in 29 years. The anticipation and fanfare from Pakistan fans were through the roof. But what was supposed to be a triumphant homecoming turned into a nightmare. Right from the opening game, things started to unravel for the defending champions. Their tournament kicked off against a red-hot New Zealand side that had just whitewashed India in their own backyard. A tough challenge was expected, but what followed was beyond anyone’s imagination. New Zealand’s batters put on an absolute clinic, with Will Young and Tom Latham smashing centuries to propel their team to a daunting total of 321. Pakistan, on the other hand, simply didn’t have the firepower to match. Their batting lineup faltered under pressure, mustering only 260 runs and slumping to a 60-run defeat in their opening game. 

In their second game, the pressure was firmly on Pakistan, as they had to win to keep their hopes alive. On the other hand, India had secured a dominant six-wicket win over Bangladesh in their first match of the tournament. So, they were in a much more comfortable space. However, it was India who took the game to Pakistan as they bundled out Pakistan’s batting lineup for just 240 runs. In response, India chased down that target with ease, with Virant Kohli bringing up his 51st ODI century to lead India to another six-wicket win.  

This loss meant that Pakistan’s hopes of qualifying for the semifinals were all but over. And with New Zealand overcoming Bangladesh yesterday by five-wickets, Pakistan’s destiny was sealed – they were out of the competition at the group stage as the host nation and the reigning champions. Both India and New Zealand have qualified for the semifinals, while Pakistan face Bangladesh in the last group stage game which is basically a dead rubber.