DUBAI: Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan conceded that his team’s Champions Trophy campaign is effectively over following a disappointing six-wicket defeat to India on Sunday.
With Pakistan suffering back-to-back losses in the tournament, their semi-final qualification now depends on other results. If New Zealand beats Bangladesh on Monday in Rawalpindi, Pakistan will be officially eliminated.
Rizwan’s Honest Assessment
Speaking to reporters after the match, Rizwan accepted reality:
“Yes, I would say it has ended, that’s the truth. Our Champions Trophy fate now depends on other teams, and as a captain, I don’t like that.”
He emphasized that Pakistan would have preferred to control its own destiny but admitted that losses to New Zealand and India left them in a vulnerable position.
Match Recap: Pakistan’s Struggles Continue
Pakistan opted to bat first but could only manage 241 in 49.4 overs, despite a 104-run partnership between Saud Shakeel (62) and Rizwan (46).
India, led by *Virat Kohli’s unbeaten century (100)**, chased down the target with 45 balls to spare, exposing Pakistan’s inconsistent middle order and bowling unit.
Key Takeaways from Rizwan’s Post-Match Remarks
- Mistakes Repeated: “We made the same mistakes that we have been making for the last 3-4 matches. We are working on them, but we are falling short.”
- Lack of Bravery: “India worked harder and played bravely, while we lacked that bravery in key moments.”
- Bowling Positives: Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed (1-28 in 10 overs) impressed, but others leaked runs.
- Middle-Order Collapse: “270-280 would have been a good total, but we lost wickets due to poor shot selection, and our middle order crumbled.”
Pakistan’s Next Fixture
Despite the grim outlook, Pakistan will face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on Thursday, hoping to end their campaign on a high note.
The 2017 Champions Trophy winners now find themselves on the verge of an early exit, raising serious questions about team performance, strategy, and consistency heading into future international tournaments.
