Dubai: Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign is teetering on the edge of collapse after suffering a comprehensive six-wicket loss to India in Dubai on Sunday. Following the defeat, players have openly acknowledged the need for significant changes within the team as they face the reality of elimination from the tournament.

A Disappointing Performance

Pakistan’s batting performance was underwhelming, as they posted a total of just 241 runs, with Saud Shakeel top-scoring with 62. Shakeel admitted that the team had failed across all aspects of the game. “We did not play well in all three departments, and that is why this result has come. We have to accept this,” he told reporters after the match.

The team showed some promise with a 104-run partnership between Shakeel and captain Mohammad Rizwan (46), but a quick succession of dismissals led to another batting collapse. “We are losing wickets in bunches and are not building big partnerships,” Shakeel explained. “When we were batting, the pitch played slow. We tried to bat deep, but it did not happen. I am sure fans will be disappointed, just like we are.”

Bowlers Struggle to Make an Impact

While Pakistan’s batsmen faltered, the bowlers also failed to make a mark. India, led by Virat Kohli’s unbeaten century (100), chased down the target comfortably in just 42.3 overs. Abrar Ahmed, the Pakistani spinner, echoed Shakeel’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for change within the squad. “Some things did not go in our favour, but we have to change a lot of things within the group,” Ahmed said. “This tournament is like that — you go out if you lose one match. We have to improve our batting and do more work on bowling.”

The Road Ahead for Pakistan

With two defeats from their first two matches, Pakistan is now at the bottom of Group A. Their last group match against Bangladesh on Thursday is now crucial. However, even a victory may not be enough if Bangladesh loses to New Zealand on Monday — in that case, both Pakistan and Bangladesh would be eliminated.

The Champions Trophy 2025 is Pakistan’s first time hosting a major international cricket event in nearly three decades, but their performances so far have left their campaign in tatters. The team will now need to reflect deeply on their strategy and performances as they look ahead to their final chance to salvage their hopes of progressing.

Changing the Course

Despite the challenges, Shakeel and his teammates remain determined to turn things around. “We have to improve, and we know what we need to do,” Shakeel added. But whether they can put together a winning performance in their final match — and whether other results will go in their favor — remains to be seen. For now, Pakistan’s Champions Trophy journey hangs by a thread.