Such is the format of the Champions Trophy that it allows no room for error and even a single defeat at the group stage can put a team out of the tournament.
With eight sides in the fray for the top honours, the two groups include four teams each.
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Talking about Group A involving the two archrivals India and Pakistan, the latter will be feeling the heat going into the match against the traditional rivals on February 23 in Dubaifollowing their defeat in the tournament opener against New Zealand in Karachi.
The Kiwis outclassed the defending champions by 60 runs in the first match of the Champions Trophy, while India beat Bangladesh by six wickets.
HOW GROUP ‘A’ STANDS
New Zealand are on top at the moment with two points, with India at No.2 with the same number of points because the Kiwis have a better net run-rate (NRR) of +1.200 compared to India’s +0.408.
Bangladesh are ahead of bottom-placed Pakistan with a better NRR. Both the teams are without any points, while Bangladesh’s NRR of -0.408 better than Pakistan’s -1.200.
PAKISTAN’S CHANCES AT PRESENT
Pakistan have two matches left to play — vs India on February 23 and vs Bangladesh on February 27.
If Pakistan lose to India, then the tournament will be virtually over for the hosts as New Zealand are expected to beat Bangladesh a day later on February 24.
However, if Pakistan beat India, the group will be thrown wide open because India will then have the tough match left against New Zealand while the tournament hosts will fancy their chances against Bangladesh in their concluding fixture.
But it will be foolhardy to rule Bangladesh out, especially because of their recent success against Pakistan, who would want their neighbours to beat New Zealand on February 24, which will keep their slim semifinal chances alive even in the face of a defeat against India on Sunday.
Top two teams from each of the two groups qualify for the semifinals.
