Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan acknowledged that his team’s middle order failed to handle the pressure in their crucial Champions Trophy defeat against India on Sunday.
Batting first, the defending champions were bowled out for 241 in 49.4 overs, a total India chased down comfortably with six wickets in hand, powered by Virat Kohli’s unbeaten century at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Rizwan, who scored 46 in a 104-run partnership with Saud Shakeel (62), admitted Pakistan failed to capitalize on their momentum.
“The middle order wasn’t good enough,” Rizwan said. “Saud and I tried to build a partnership, but after that, poor shot selection cost us. Our middle order couldn’t handle the pressure.”
Pakistan’s chances of progressing now depend on the outcome of New Zealand’s match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi.
“For now, we can say that it’s over. This is the truth,” Rizwan admitted. “As a captain, I don’t like depending on other teams. If you’re good enough, you show it by winning and keeping things in your hands.”
With losses to both India and New Zealand, Pakistan’s hopes now rest on external results and a possible turnaround in their remaining fixtures.
