KARACHI (Kashmir English): It looks mathematically possible but practically improbable. Despite losing the very first two games, Pakistan’s can still qualify for the semifinals of ICC Champions Trophy.
Though highly unlikely, Pakistan needs a series of specific outcomes of the coming matches and favorable net run-rate calculations.
Pakistan must then beat Bangladesh by a significant margin when they play on 27th February. On the other hand, India must defeat New Zealand on March 2 in Dubai.
For Pakistan to qualify, it is necessary that New Zealand lose both their upcoming matches by substantial margins to negatively impact their net run rate.
Any washout, however, in these games would officially eliminate Pakistan’s chances of advancing to the semifinals of the ICC Champions Trophy.
Pakistan’s path to qualification seems highly unlikely as several external factors are also attached to the scenario.
Pakistan’s fate will be clear over the next week as the competition reaches its final group-stage matches.
“Champions Trophy dream ended”
Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan Sunday admitted that their Champions Trophy dream had “ended” after a humiliating defeat against India.
If New Zealand beat Bangladesh in Rawalpindi today, then Pakistan´s fate will be sealed. “Yes, I would say it has ended, that´s the truth,” Rizwan told reporters when asked if his side had reached the end of the road.
“The next match, what Bangladesh does with New Zealand and what New Zealand does with India. What we do? It´s a long journey. Our Champions Trophy depends on others and I as a captain I don´t like this.”
Pakistan is hosting an ICC tournament for the first time in nearly 30 years since Pakistan co-hosted with India and Sri Lanka the 1996 ODI World Cup. India had refused to tour Pakistan purely due to political reasons and are playing all their matches at the Dubai International Stadium.
