Mohammad Rizwan attacks Pakistan teammates in Press Conference after being eliminated from Champions Trophy

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan admitted that his team's campaign is nearly over in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 following their defeat to India. Mohammad Rizwan stated that Pakistan now relies on the results of other teams to stay in contention, adding that they need a miracle to qualify.

Pakistan suffered a six-wicket defeat to India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, February 23. The Men in Green posted a total of 241 after winning the toss. Their pace attack failed to trouble the Indian batters as India comfortably chased the target with six wickets and 45 balls to spare.

Hum Yahi Keh Sakte Hai Ki Khatam Ho Gaya - Mohammad Rizwan

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Mohammad Rizwan stated that there is still hope to qualify for the semifinals, but their fate is no longer in their own hands. Pakistan now depends on other teams' results, including New Zealand's upcoming matches against Bangladesh and India.

Rizwan stated, "Filhaal Toh Hum Yahi Keh Sakte Hai Ki Khatam Ho Gaya. Sach Yahi Hai" (For now, we can say that it’s over. This is the truth.)

“In the next match, we’ll see what Bangladesh does with New Zealand, what New Zealand does with India, and what we do. It’s a long journey. Yes, we have hope and believe in Allah. Our dependence on the Champions Trophy has now come on other teams," he further added.

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Saud Shakeel scored 62 runs off 76 balls as his team posted a total of 241 in 49.4 overs. For India, Kuldeep Yadav was the standout bowler with three wickets, while Hardik Pandya took two. Virat Kohli regained his form by reaching his 51st ODI century during the chase.

Amazed at the Hard Work He Puts In - Mohammad Rizwan

Mohammad Rizwan praised Virat Kohli for his exceptional work ethic and fitness after the Indian batter scored his 51st ODI century. Rizwan admitted that Pakistan tried their best to dismiss him but failed.

“I am amazed at the hard work he puts in. The whole world was saying he was out of form but coming into such a big game, he scored runs effortlessly. His fitness and work ethic are indeed praiseworthy. We tried our best to get him out but we could not,” Rizwan said.

“As far as the match is concerned, we are obviously disappointed, We made mistakes in all three departments. We were not able to take wickets in the middle overs,” he added.

Pakistan’s Semifinal Hopes Hang by a Thread

Pakistan's second defeat in the ICC Champions Trophy has dented their chances of reaching the semifinals. They are still mathematically in the race to qualify for the knockout stage. Pakistan wants New Zealand to lose heavily to both Bangladesh and India.

They need to secure a strong victory against Bangladesh in their final group-stage match. Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh would have equal points, with the semifinal spot being decided by net run rate. India will play New Zealand on March 2, while Pakistan will face Bangladesh on February 27.

Also read: Mohammed Shami surpasses Jasprit Bumrah to become India's worst bowler in CT history